“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6.
How often do I stop and look at the world of nature around me to see the glory of God being displayed?
Most days I miss what God is doing through His creation because I am preoccupied with other things. His voice is always speaking but I am not listening.
When our children were younger we would often go to Florida the week of thanksgiving. We always drove straight through so we had lots of time to spend soaking up the sun and warmth in Florida. My favorite time to be driving was early in the morning as the sun began to awaken the day. The beauty of the sun with all the different colors that filled the sky was breathtaking. The cloud formations with the sun shining from behind them were majestic. When I would watch the sun rise, praise for my heavenly Father would rise up within me. I would often sing a song of praise to God and thank Him for who He is and for all of the blessings He had given to our family. I was so thankful for this time of quit to spend in prayer and thanksgiving to God.
Earlier this month as I looked out the window the sun was a brilliant red and the clouds around it were red as well. I began this new day in prayer, praising the Maker of the sun and clouds. The next morning the sun was a soft orange glow in the sky. Soon, with the sun still shining, the sky opened up and it poured for a bit and then it was done. As I was preparing to leave for work, it started to pour again with the sun still shining. This rain shower only lasted for a few minutes as well. Within 5 minutes of the rain stopping I was driving down the street and there in sky to my side was a bright and vivid rainbow. My first thoughts were “Thank you God for the reminder from Your Word that never again would you destroy the earth with a flood. (Genesis 9:8-17)” I thanked God for showing me His glory displayed in the sky. He sends the rain to refresh the ground. He sends the thunder and lightning to display His power and might. I thanked Him for reminding me that He is in control of all things. “Take a long, hard look. See how great He is-infinite, greater that anything you could ever imagine or figure out! He pulls water up out of the sea, distills it, and fills up His rain-cloud cisterns. Then the skies open up and pour out soaking showers on everyone. Does anyone have the slightest idea how this happens? How He arranges the clouds, how He speaks in thunder? Just look at that lightning, His sky-filling light show illumining the dark depths of the sea! These are the symbols of His sovereignty, His generosity, His loving care.” Job 36:26-31 (The Message) What a great and awesome God we serve!
God used these times to remind me that He wants me to be aware of Him at all times.
He is always speaking but am I always listening? He created me to spend time with Him, to know Him. “Be still and know that I Am God…” Psalm 46:10a. All of us are so busy trying to survive our chaotic lives that it often becomes harder and harder to stop and enjoy God and the world He has created for us. Most mornings I am up early and I plan time to spend with God in His Word and in prayer. Some days go as planned and I have time to just sit and be in God’s Presence. On days like this my thoughts often turn to God throughout my day. Sometimes I sense He is telling me to pray for a certain person or to reach out to someone. I am aware of His Presence leading and guiding me. Other days I stay in bed too long or my mind starts racing with all the things I think I need to accomplish. On days like this, my quiet time with God is not very productive. On these days when I hurry through my time with Him I am not prepared for the day that He has planned for me. How many divine appointments have I missed because I did not take the time to sit with Him and seek His direction for my day?
Join me in choosing to daily sit with the Lord, speaking words of praise and thanksgiving to Him.
Asking the Holy Spirit to open our ears to hear God speak to us and too wait in expectation to see how He will answer our prayers. We can also ask Him to help us learn how to slow our mind’s down and just focus on who He is. Praying Scripture is a wonderful way to focus on God. Then with eyes wide open look for God as He leads and guides you through the day He has prepared for you, remembering to thank Him for hearing your prayers and for His answers.
