We talked a couple of weeks ago about the sunflowers, remember that? Well, the other day, we rode by those big mommas again. So many lessons for me right there in that field. They are so beautiful, those bright sunshiny yellow heads with the big black eye in the middle. Remember how they actually rise to meet the sun? They are pulled up tall and their faces look skyward. As they’re pulling up tall for the sky, the most remarkable thing happens. They move. Yep, in unison, their heads move to look at the sun. When the direction of the sun moves, their gigantic blooms move. It actually has a name, heliotropism – say that three times real fast. But how wild is that? They come alive when they look to the sun. Hmmmm.
When we rode by a couple of days ago though, everything had changed. Those big heads were no longer straining with an eye to the sky. Their heads were now bowed. Yep, in unison. Check it out. I thought what an amazing reminder. Their heads were bowed in reverence. In reverence to the sun. How are we at bowing in reverence?
Oh sure, we (me) are really good at standing up tall and moving our heads from east to west to follow the Son when we have no needs, when all is right with the world. Our big heads just dance back and forth and our leaves flutter with the breeze. But what do we do when we need sustenance, when we need provision, when we need healing from a bent or broken stem, when our leaves are being ravaged by pests, when our surface roots are being burnt up by life and our deep roots seem to be pulling up. When our minds are so full, overloaded in fact with a million little things, and our heads are so heavy, that we’re forced to bow under the weight?
Sing to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
For He rescues the life of the needy
from the hands of evildoers.
Jeremiah 20:13
We can easily identify with Jeremiah, can’t we? Jeremiah was a prophet which meant that he was regularly ignored, opposed, threatened, persecuted, and more, simply because of his message to Judah. A one word message – Repent. Jeremiah knew what it was like to be discouraged, need protection, need healing, carry a lot of weight. But, he knew which way to face and he knew how to sing. It doesn’t mean it was easy for him, in fact, Jeremiah’s road was filled with tears. But, Jeremiah was faithful. Jeremiah was obedient to his calling – to deliver the message to repent or face destruction. Jeremiah was a kingdom worker. Jeremiah knew whence his help came from. He would turn his face to the sun and allow his leaves to flutter in the breeze. Praise.
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
Jeremiah sang. So, what do we do? We sing! We turn our eyes upon Jesus, we praise Him for who He is, we bow in humble adoration, and we sing!
But I will sing about your strength; every morning I will sing aloud of your constant love. You have been a refuge for me, a shelter in my time of trouble.
Psalm 59:16
We may have to move our faces to see the sun, not because the sun has moved, but because the winds may blow debris and storm clouds may gather. So we sing. Singing His praises will clear the debris and bring into view the ever present Son.