Psalm 115

Psalm 115:16 The heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth is given to us.

God made the earth. It’s one of the first biblical stories we teach children. He took great care in forming the earths shape, giving it light, separating the waters and forming rivers, putting plants and trees of all kinds as well as all the animals on land, sky, and sea. And then God created man and woman, blessed them, and gave them the earth.

God giving us the earth means we should use its resources but not overuse and abuse them. We should care for nature, not destroy it. Just like a toy given to a child as a gift. We teach the child to cherish it and use it for its purpose, and (I would hope) teach the child not to break or destroy it. But alas, they do. And then it gets thrown away and they get another one. How similar is the story to the gift God has given us. Except we can’t get a new earth. We only have the one, and should care for it, should treasure this gift from God like we treasure our own lives.

Lord, thank you for giving us this wonderful planet to live on. Thank you for all the resources you have provided on the earth for us to live. I will do my best to take care of the earth you have blessed us with. I pray that all humanity will see your gift and cherish is as well.