Sometimes the words in one book of the Bible underscore the message in another book. The Bible is told from different witness accounts, and it is thrilling to see all that God promised in one book happen in another. All the books of the Bible reinforce the message that God deserves our praise. In Nehemiah 9:6, it says: “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.”
I love the image this calls up, especially the last line. This verse corresponds to Psalm 148:4, which again reminds us that God gave life to everything. He created our world and everything in it, including us. These words can become poetic and lost on us at times in this busy world. But every time you see the sun rise or the stars shine, you can be reminded that the Holy One who created those things also created you.
I talk more about this particular painting, and the inspiration Psalm that goes with it, in my book, Painting the Psalms.
