I got up early this morning and watched the sun rising over the mountains. This is much too early, I thought to myself. I yawned and asked myself why I decided to get up so soon. Surely daylight would appear without my presence, like it has all the other times before?
But it had been a while since I last caught a glimpse of God’s presence and warmth on a cold winter morning. And besides… I would’ve likely grabbed my cellphone on the nightstand and spent the next hour scanning news notifications on a 3-inch by 6-inch screen and learning about the latest tragedy happening several thousand miles away from my warm bed. “Do not corrupt the peace that I have granted you from a good night’s rest,” His voice said. “Arise, you sleeper! Come and spend this time with me!”
I put a K-cup in the Keurig and yawned as I waited for the essential fuel I desperately needed to be pumped out into my favorite mug. And then I sat at my desk in the den, looking out my window watching and waiting in silence.
As the darkness slowly gave way, I marveled at the radiance and sheer beauty of the pink and purple hues; God’s divine sentries ushering in His glorious light.
In a moment of wondrous mystery, it dawned on me (no pun intended): The light that I am seeing and experiencing at this very moment was from the past. Eight minutes and 20 seconds ago, to be exact.
The confluence of Jeremiah 1:5 and Romans 8:30-32 suddenly appeared before me.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart… And having chosen you, I called you to come to Me. And having called you, I gave you right standing with Myself. And having given you right standing, I give you My glory.
2 Timothy 1:7 reads, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
Glory be to God for the Spirit He has given me this day; a day in which I was awakened not by the troubles of my mind nor the world, but in the loving hope of seeing His majesty and splendor. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 