A New View

I had a brief moment in the backyard last night as I went to turn the pool light out and normally since its been so cold I just rush out and get back in the house where its warm. But this time I took the opportunity to look up for a change and what a beautiful sky I saw. It was so clear and the stars were bright and out in full amazement. It's one of the things I like most about the desert is the evenings where we regularly get a great show like this.

I've had opportunities to feel down in recent times and often we try to fill these periods with activities, over-indulging in food or drink, or just plain pouting. When we hit moments like this we need a new view or a new perspective. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible has to be Isaiah 40. It offers so much comfort to me and since it was written to the Israelites about life after their captivity there is great application for me.

"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing." Isaiah 40:26.

When you look up for a change of perspective you see the Lord and remember he put each star up in the heavens and knows them by name don't you know how much more important we are to God? One of the other things I like about Isaiah 40 is it is full of rhetorical questions. And I loved the way they are asked, almost in a smart alec way and since I've often wondered if sarcasm is a spiritual gift (it's not) they often cause me to laugh.

The questions all have to do with His power. (V12) "Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measure off the heavens with his finger?"........(V 18)"To whom can you compare God?"..........(V21-4 straight questions) "Haven't you heard? Don't you understand? Are you deaf to the words of God- the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant?"

Pretty emphatic huh? Since he's the creator of everything including us He is bigger than all our problems. And whether you're out tonight and you look up and want to thank Him or plead for His grace and mercy try and recall to mind or post somewhere to remember the words of Verses 28-31. They are so powerful.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

While you're sleeping tonight, remember the Lord isn't. He will give you the strength to face your day when you wake up. It's a promise you can bank on. Enjoy the view.

Mark