We did some traveling last week in West Virginia to spots I call “God’s Country,” isn’t it all? I have not traveled far and wide, but to the places I have traveled, West Virginia truly has some of the most beautiful spots on earth. To me, it is God’s Country.
We visited Blackwater Canyon, taking in the scenes from every angle and the absolute beauty of that creation is difficult to put into words. Some spots were so magnificent and touching that I wanted to cry — just thinking of the unspeakable beauty created by our Creator! The scenes have stuck with me, mainly because I took lots of pics and I pull up those peace shots often, but also because they gave me perspective, centered me. In a world that is littered with hurt, anger, violence, busyness, hostility, chaos, aggression, and uncontrolled actions, there is glory. That’s what we have to keep in mind.
It’s funny, as I had all these thoughts swirling in my mind like the fall leaves, I thought back to a post from 2018, Glorious Day, and it gave me some perspective. We often talk about how the Bible is just full of reminders, not by chance, but because we need them! I guess I need this reminder often, because after I pulled the 2018 post out of my archive folder, I see that I also republished it in 2020 and 2021. Clearly, the message is — Beth, remember my glory!
Majesty, worship His Majesty.
Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise!
Majesty, Kingdom Authority,
Flow from His throne, unto His own
His anthem raise!
So exalt, lift up on high the Name of Jesus!
Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His Majesty;
Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings!
GLORIOUS DAY – 2018, 2020, 2021, and now 2022
I’m out walking in the dawn’s early light. Sun peeping. Silent. Cool. Refreshing. Observing the work of the Master Artist puts a little spring in my step, a lilt in my tilt, a be in my bop. I walk with the worst-best dog ever, feeling whole. The sense that all is right with the world is palpable. I offer praises to my Maker for the glory of the moment. I smile. It’s simply a glorious day!
When I start thinking about my day, reality sets in. The song stops. The birds stop singing. The storm clouds roll in. The mind reels. I think of the busyness of the day ahead. I think of the diagnosis of a friend. I think of the relationship hurts of another. I think of the addictions of another. I think of the loss of a loved one of another. I think…I think…I think… As I think, I pray. As I pray, I look beyond to the scape that only minutes ago made me feel on top of the world. Have you ever experienced that? Mountain to valley in a minute? Rising to submerged in a second? Underwhelmed to overwhelmed in a heartbeat? I wonder to myself, how did I get from glorious to downright gloomy in a millisecond? I simply lost my mind – no kidding, I completely lost perspective and perspective comes from the mind.
I look out across the field and the landscape has totally changed. So, I continue to walk, my prayers changing from praise to pleading. Then I hear this still small voice (now you really think I’ve lost my mind) say “Nothing that happens today will change the fact that today is a glorious day.” I understand. In my lost mind I go to all the buts and His voice responds. But…it’s still a glorious day. But…it doesn’t change that this is a glorious day. But…it will still be a glorious day. Over and over again. No matter what happens today…it doesn’t change the fact that today is a glorious day.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20
Glorious – full of glory – adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving – absolute gratification.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Sun going down, I was again walking the worst-best dog in the same spot as this morning. I look across the fields and at the sky. I observe again the work of the Master artist. The clouds show the Earth’s rotation. Thinking back on the things of the day, even the things that made me briefly lose my mind, the hard things, the scary things, I can thank Him for showing me that “It was simply a glorious day.” Thank you, Lord.