Love God Greatly: In the BeginningSample

One of the most beautiful places in the world to watch the sunrise is atop a volcano on the island of Maui, Hawai’i. Haleakalā is a dormant volcano, standing at 10,023 feet above sea level at the summit. The best way to watch the sunrise is to arrive before dawn, watching the blackness of the night give way to the glorious colors of the morning. 

From 10,023 feet, the summit is dark and cold through the night. The stars and moon shine brilliantly, with the summit standing above any clouds that may inhibit the view. The first thread of light illuminates the horizon, turning the blackness into a navy blue. With the moon and stars still in view, the darkness slowly turns shades of blue, pink, and yellow as the sun inches toward the horizon. The clouds that sit below the summit roll and fold under the emerging light. 

Finally, a great burst of yellow and white light illuminates everything in its path as the sun peaks over the horizon. Every moment, more light emerges, changing everything. The earth is illuminated, showing the vastness of the volcanic landscape. The clouds begin to break and offer glimpses of the ocean and the volcanic peaks on the island of Hawai’i. After such an experience one can’t help but remember God’s words to Job: “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, or made the dawn know its place?”

God created the sun, moon, and stars with a specific purpose. They are signals of time and seasons, they provide light on the earth, and they separate light from darkness. Every morning, God reminds us of His sovereignty and character. Whether we view the dawn of the morning from atop a volcano or from the light coming into our homes, our God has still commanded that morning. He is in control each and every day. And without fail, He provides a new morning with new reminders of His love and faithfulness each and every day. 

Prayer:

Lord God, I praise You for Your incredible power and creativity that You command each morning. You alone tell the dawn when to break. You bring light to the world, and You bring light to my life. Help me see Your incredible faithfulness today. Amen.