The Earth’s atmosphere is a marvelous wonder.
With slightly less than 21% oxygen, the earth’s atmosphere creates a perfect shelter. If its oxygen level were to rise one percent, the likelihood of wildfires would increase by 70%. Conversely, we could not live here if the atmosphere’s oxygen level was the slightest bit lower.
Earth has the perfect balance of oxygen, and its atmosphere's density protects the planet from meteors and space debris while preventing our oceans from being evaporated away into space. The Earth's magnetic field also guards us against deadly radiation. Our atmosphere is closely tied to the earth’s oceans, regulating the climate with wind and rain in a delicate balance.
Even the earth’s tilt plays a crucial role in sustaining life, creating seasons that regulate the planet’s temperature. The earth’s tilt, in fact, is the largest factor influencing global temperatures. This tilt is not static but moves around. Scientists have learned that a 31.5-inch movement of the earth’s rotational pole from 1993 to 2010 accounted for a .24-inch rise in sea level -- far exceeding any other cause of climate change.
From a human perspective, the earth’s thin strip of atmosphere looks terrifyingly fragile. In reality, it demonstrates the hand of God in actively preserving us.
“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you.”—Isaiah 42:6 NLT.
Reassuring News
God knew the exact conditions needed for the Earth to be habitable. His creation displays His wisdom, providence, and provision. In His foreknowledge, God created a shield for the earth to sustain our lives. He promised that this shield would remain for as long as creation endures*.
More than Physical Protection
But it’s not only our physical lives that He preserves. God Himself is the protector of our souls and watchman of our spirits. Just as the earth’s atmosphere is constantly defending our planet, God guards us in countless ways every day. He shields us from the fiery attacks of the enemy. We can catch glimpses of His hand, but on this side of heaven, we’ll never realize the full extent of His protection.
We can rest in knowing that His constant protection is guarding us!
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7
* Gen 8:22 "As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat; winter and summer, day and night."