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I developed a habit many years ago of rising early in the morning and I really appreciate the tranquility this affords me.
Each new season presents a canvas painted with nature’s diverse personality. It’s like receiving a morning greeting from my Heavenly Father.
In late spring and early summer, as I step outside with coffee cup in hand and look heavenward, I am surrounded by a feathered chorus that reminds me of my Creator. I am in awe of Him as I pause to reflect on the wonders of all that He has created. More marvelous still, is to realize that His voice keeps everything in our universe in harmony. The Psalmist, David wrote: “The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.” (Psalm 29:3-4)
On a dark winter morning, as I went in to my place of solitude to begin my reading and devotional time, I lifted the shade and looked out across the field behind my house. The breathtaking artistry displayed in that moment of time, has been indelibly etched in my spirit. The snow that covered the rolling fields had been kissed in the daylight by the warm rays of the sun and the frigid, nighttime temperatures had created a glaze. The full moon cast it’s light, creating a brilliant reflection across the landscape. And a single, leafless tree, like a sentinel, stood in the midst. I was in the very presence of God and rendered speechless by His awesome creation.
Immediately, the Holy Spirit began to teach me. As I recalled passages from the prophet Isaiah, I believe the Lord was affirming me in the faith, giving me courage to persevere:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
These moments alone with the Lord are a priceless treasure. As I processed what my eyes beheld, I was reminded that we, like that brightly shining full moon, have no light of our own. We can only reflect the light of the Son of God. And when we walk in total obedience allowing nothing to dim that Light of the Savior, we can shine His Light upon the pathway of life so that others need not be left in total darkness.
Father God, Draw me to prayer and Bible reading where I am assured that the glorious Light of the Gospel will illumine the atmosphere all around me. May the Light of Jesus draw others who will also see their need for a Savior. Thank you for the promise that You are the light of the world and that whoever follows You will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Amen.
Questions: Can you think of a time that you experienced God’s majesty in nature, and what it taught you or reminded you about Him?
About this Author: Phylenia G. French
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Surrender is the Heart of Worship, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Tags: Devotional, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, perseverance, solitude, son of god, treasure, Women
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Phylenia, thank you for the devotional. it reminded me of a day about 2 weeks ago. still cold, still winter where I live. i stepped out my door to retrieve the daily newspaper. and much to my surprise I saw my first spring robin. big and in charge of the morning’s first meal I guess. what i kept thinking was how on earth this beautiful creature survived the winter we have had thus far and then I looked above the tree where the bird was perched and knew that it was all God’s doing(seeing the bird, my first robin for the new spring to come)
every day with The Lord is a new one and full of wonders of His making
I’ve seen it in the vibrant colors and stillness after a storm, in the majesty of the mountains and the power of ocean waves…. the intricate parts and beauty of a flower, the fragrance after a rain and the awesome beauty in His vibrant cardinal.
It takes so little to notice His beauty and how we need to pause and take the time….drink in His beauty around us and experience the awe of His presence.
Dearest Lord,
Help us to notice your light and color all around us….teach us to look for You and open our eyes that we may see. May our senses be tuned to You, Lord.. and our hearts open to Your teaching. Draw us close to You as we seek Your face….and bow before You.
In Jesus Name….
Amen
What a beautiful thought that God writes His message of love on the canvas of nature. Along with you, I could see the reflection of the moon on the snow. Thank you for reminding us that, like the moon,we have no light of our own but reflect the light of Jesus. Yes!!