“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain” (Psalm 102:25-26)
God gave us the responsibility to care for the earth, and we should take this task seriously. But we only have limited influence. We can’t even keep a fly alive. All living things depend on God (Psalm 104:27). He feeds the birds. He causes the grass and crops to grow. He provides rain. When He takes away the breath of animals or people, they die. He holds the whole world in His hands.
The earth has been cursed because of sin, but it is still ruled by God. He allows bad things to happen, such as earthquakes, famines, pandemics and wars. I don’t understand why He allows sin to have such a devastating effect on His creation, but the Bible assures us all this fits in God’s larger plan and will somehow lead up to the final restoration of the universe. Then the heavens and the earth “will all wear out like a garment” and God “will change them like a robe” (Psalm 102:26). But God Himself remains the same. He is still in control.
We can’t save the planet. But we can trust God to care for it.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9).