SUNRISE: A Pause of Appreciation
“By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible.” Hebrews 11:3 NASB
There is a lot on my mind, so I found it difficult to sleep. I heard my husband getting ready for the day and closing the front door as he left for work. The next best thing was to just get myself out of bed, rather than lay there drowning in my thoughts. As I opened the curtains, I witnessed a bright fluorescent pink and purple sky. I suddenly had this excitement fill up inside. I slipped into my sandals and walked outside. I sat on our bench that just happened to be placed in the right spot to capture the beautiful landscape from our front yard, overlooking the field across the street. I suddenly had this sense of appreciation for the calmness that was present.
Over the next 15 minutes I witnessed the exchange of colors as the sun rose over the distant tree line. I felt a sense of peace amid my lack of sleep. I was filled with joy as I watched the extraordinary show God performed before my eyes. I was grateful for this moment. Especially grateful for a new day with new opportunities. No matter how the rest of my day may end up, this moment right here, right now, was breathtakingly precious to me.
“Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) validates the power of God that he can simply command light and there is light. In Hebrews 11:3 we are given the confirmation that a sunrise such as this was created only by God’s breath “…the world has been created by the word.” The sunrise was seen, but it takes my faith to understand who is behind the creation of it. The mere grandness of it all goes beyond my comprehension. Even when I have things that are out of my control, I know that God is in control. He can make things possible when I think they are not. It takes faith believing that he can, even when I can’t see it. “By faith we understand…” it is by my own faith that God hears what is in my heart, my desires, and my needs. I build through hope, knowing God knows all. It is especially important to know God already knows what is unseen. When he allows things to happen, he knows much more than I see before me. I am grateful for a God who loves me enough to give me sunrises when inside I feel a storm.
Prayer:
Lord of the word, I thank you for the moments that I can practice being present by slowing down and savoring the brief moments like a sunrise. I am grateful for the beauty you place around me as I struggle. Help me to focus on the good things and notice those around me that you need me to share your promises with. Let it be a shared hope through me to another. I marvel at the beauty you are capable of which is beyond my understanding. I am thankful for your ever-present love for me. You assure me it is good for me to give thanks so that when I step out of my comfort zone or through a storm, you will be there. You are my precious Father whom I love. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
