“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” -Psalm 139:14

Pictured above is the Adziogol Lighthouse. Built in 1911 by Russian engineer and architect Vladimir Shukhov it stands 223 feet and it is the 16th tallest lighthouse in the world. It is an active range light that sits on a tiny islet guiding ships entering the Dnieper River in the Ukraine. The entire tower is made of steel and unlike other lighthouses, whose strength lie not only in their foundation but in their solid outer shell (stone, concrete, iron), this graceful tower of metal bars relies on the superb structural strength of its hyperbolic paraboloid design. But to avoid losing your interest by explaining hyperbolic geometry, let’s just say that this beacon was named one of the most scientifically-designed lighthouses of the 20th century.  

Photo by Oleksandr Serdyuk 2015/01/28

Undoubtedly, there are quite a number of structures around the world that testify to the ingenuity of their designers, but have you ever taken the time to consider the intricacies of the human body? There are simply no words to describe the creative power of its designer, the Almighty God. God designed the human body with a group of compelling systems that provide it with an astounding framework and with fascinating components.

Image via Shutterstock

Take, for instance, the skeletal and muscular system. They provide support, movement, and strength to the body. The circulatory, lymphatic, and integumentary systems provide transportation of nutrients, help fight disease, and protect against injury and bacteria, respectively. Then there are the digestive, endocrine, reproductive, nervous, and renal systems. Each made up of organs and tissues that are extremely complex in nature. Even if you are currently ill or have some physical limitations, the fact that you are able to read and comprehend this devotion is a result of numerous body parts working together creatively to achieve their purpose.

Yes, our body is an awesome machine. The complexity of its systems alone, not to mention the human psyche, is a complete demonstration that it is the work of an intelligent and skillful designer. You’ve probably heard it said that we are to praise God simply for who He is, but acknowledging his handiwork in creation (we included) should also be a part of that praise. You and I were fearfully and wonderfully designed by and for the glory of an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and eternally loving God. And although our mortal bodies are continually deteriorating and will someday cease to function, we will ultimately inherit an eternal incorruptible body that will be even more fascinating than the one we possess today. But until then, let us take care of this amazing lighthouse where the Spirit of the living God resides and which houses the light of His salvation. Let us be conscious of our dietary intake and our physical and mental exertions. In other words, let us discipline ourselves to stay healthy. But let us take care of our spiritual life as well by intentionally seeking His presence and growing in the knowledge of His Word. Both our physical and spiritual systems are important to effectively fulfill our purpose while we are here in this also amazingly designed planet.

Would you join me in taking a few seconds to sincerely thank God for his indescribable creative power and acknowledge that we have been fearfully and wonderfully designed by Him? In doing so we are actually praising him for Who He is and what He has done. Let us pray.

Prayer: God of all creation, the works of your hands who can fathom? You have set the universe in its place and decorated the heavens to your liking. You have created this amazing little planet called earth and have adorned it with spectacular organisms. Yet your most precious masterpiece is reading this devotion today. Thank you. Thank you for giving me life and for giving me the opportunity to know you. May my life reflect how grateful I truly am to you. Yours is the glory, the honor, the power, and the praise forevermore. Amen! 

SCRIPTURES
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” -Psalm 8:3-4 (NASB)

“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” -Isaiah 43:7

“Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.” -Romans 1:20

“How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-living things both large and small.” -Psalm 104:24-25

“Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” -Psalm 135:6 (KJV)

“For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” -1 Corinthians 15:53

-ALL SCRIPTURE IS QUOTED FROM THE NIV EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED.