“What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the son of man, that You care for him?” Hebrews 2:6 ESV
Over the past months, I have been repeatedly dazzled by the details of God’s handiwork in creation. Whether driving along the highways, walking in nature, looking into the eyes of passers-by, or enjoying the view out my back door, the beauty of God’s creative artistry is inescapable.
This year, Russ and I again enjoyed visiting Meijer Gardens’ “Butterflies Are Blooming” annual exhibit in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We went earlier this year, hoping to beat the crowds. Our strategy was flawed–the exhibit was jam-packed with families with strollers and little ones, and fewer butterflies had hatched. Still, it was glorious.
This regal black-and-white painted lady is a Tree Nymph butterfly from Asia. The delicate design inked on her gauzy white wings is evidence of the Master’s detailed artistry.
This morning, a sea of green greeted me when I opened the closed drapes that frame the French doors during the daylight hours. Hundreds of shades and various hues of green fought for my attention. The greens reminded me of the beautifully choreographed plants at the butterfly exhibit and of a drive through western Michigan last summer when the trees were magnificently in full leaf, resplendent in hundreds, maybe even thousands, of shades of green.
I remember saying to Russ, “Isn’t it incredible that God didn’t just say, ‘Let all the trees have green leaves”? Green. Just green. No variation. Green, plain green.”
But that is not how our God works. He is concerned about the tiniest of details, which, in the end, compose His great masterpiece.
Here’s one last example out of thousands from which I could choose. When God created humankind, He could have said, “Let’s keep it simple: male and female, one head, two eyes, a nose, a mouth, two ears, two arms, two hands, two legs, and two feet – throw in the inbetween connecting parts and we’re good to go.” But that is not the way our God works. Those common features display themselves in varying sizes, shapes, colors, and compositions, making it extremely rare to find a true doppelganger.
Think about the color of a person’s eyes. God could have said, “For variety, let’s give people brown, blue, and sometimes green eyes.” Brown. Blue. Now and then, green.
Consider the many shades of browns, blues, and greens that you have seen coloring the eyes of those you know and those you meet. These “windows to the soul” remind me of stained glass windows sparkling in sunlight. These little details set the individual apart from the masses, especially considering the many other differences that make each individual unique.
When I think about these and the innumerable details with which God concerns Himself, I find it easy to believe that God is equally concerned with every detail of my life.
“You have granted me life and steadfast love, and Your care has preserved my spirit.” Job 10:12 ESV
Believing that God sees and knows every aspect of our lives is one thing—it’s an important and good thing. But, it is significantly more essential, encouraging, empowering, and enabling to know with confidence every detail of our existence concerns Him.
Not only does God care about the details of my life, He cares about the details of your life. From the most minor, seemingly insignificant details to the enormous life-altering events, God cares. He sees. He knows. Friend, He cares more than you can begin to imagine.
When you watch a painted butterfly flutter by or try to count the numerous shades of green that surround you when you take a walk, or begin to notice the colors of the eyes of the people you meet, once you begin to appreciate the message of those details, think on this. Our God is the God of details. He cares about every detail in His creation. He knows and He cares about every detail in your life. Nothing goes unnoticed. Nothing will be overlooked.
God sees you. He sees and cares. (1 Peter 5:7)
“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:1b-6 ESV