Trees

Have you ever thought about why trees point upwards? What are they pointing to? God? If so, why would they point up? Does God dwell in the sky, and not down here? When Solomon asked King Hiram of Tyre for help in building God’s temple, he included this before his request: “But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him?” (2 Chronicles 2:6 ESV)

So I suppose the trees can’t be pointing “at” God physically. If God is omnipresent, that means his presence is not limited to the sky or “heaven”. Maybe there’s something the sky can teach us about God, and that’s what they’re pointing to.

What can we see when we look at the sky? I see unlimited space - a representation of the vastness and greatness of God. I also see a reminder of how small (literally) we are. I see our utter helplessness in the face of the universe, and our absolute dependence on our loving God, the “Father of lights” (Jas 1:17), who knows each star by name and sent His son to die for us rebels even though we don't deserve it.

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The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.

Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

- Psalm 19:1-6 ESV