In just a few short weeks, we will be going on vacation. Every summer, for one week, we return to the area that provides rest from our routines, and is a balm for our souls.
Usually we rent a home by the lake but I fondly remember the summer we needed a change and rented a home in the mountains.We had no idea of the memories it would hold for us.
It was surely different than past rentals. Simpler. Smaller. From the time I stepped onto the property months before we would all be there, I knew it was where we should be.
There’s only one way to explain the feeling ”“ it called deeply to my soul.
So many memories from that one week keep swirling in my mind but one remains firmly planted.
It was the night they called me out onto the deck, into the stillness and blackest of nights. “Look up!” they shouted. Above us was the clearest, brightest, and most distinct sky my eyes have ever beheld.
Countless stars, each twinkling. The big dipper visible in its glory.
The sky looked like a panoramic photo. Too perfect to be real and yet, there it was before us. We stood silent and in awe.
The sky, and the moment, has never been forgotten and continues to speak to my heart each time I remember.
It is more than simply the wonder of it all. God had something to say, but stayed silent, letting the memory become ingrained in my mind.
Once home from vacation, I read this Scripture:
“The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.” (Psalm 33:6, NLT)
God’s Word, and creation, display His character and His power to us in ways our minds simply cannot comprehend. Omnipotently, He created everything out of nothing. He simply breathed, spoke the word, and the stars came into being without any opposition for there is no power greater than His.
In that moment on the deck, I felt small as His vastness was declared in the sky above me.
“The sovereignty of God is that golden scepter in his hand by which he will make all bow, either by his word or by his works, by his mercies or by his judgments.” (Thomas Brooks)
My heart had been bowed low by His works displayed that night, and by His Word in the days afterward.
God is sovereign over His works and over our lives. I may not understand all the ways God works in our lives, but of this I am sure, God will intervene in the lives of His people at the right moment, for He is faithful to His own.
He is still breathing the word, His Word ”“
into our lives, into our circumstances, and
bringing new life.
May we have eyes to see His countless wonders every day!
Kindness is a choice we will make repeatedly through out every day. In her post, “Kindness – A Small Act, A Big Difference”, Paula Short reminds us that kindness is a progression, a springboard for other much needed qualities.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
“My heart bowed low” – that is the most apt phrasing of how I feel when I stand under a night sky of glorious display – our souls bow to the wonder of God, as a knight would declare homage to an honorable, heroic, loyal liege lord. Praise God for creating a sky like that for us!
It is amazing how it humbles us, causing us to realize how small we truly are and the vastness of our God.
Beautiful, Joanne! Love your memory and it coincides with so many mountain vacations for us. We have chosen the mountains over beaches for years because we sensed God in ways there that we didn’t experience Him other vacation spots. They hang in my memory in such beauty and powerful meaning. Love the scripture passage and the quote by Thomas Brooks.
Thank you, Pam. I have been looking forward to our vacation to see how God breathes into my soul once again 🙂
The majesty of the mountains reflects our majestic God. I’ve always felt that when in the mountains, and am drawn to them for their silence, too. Lovely reflection today!
You are so right, Lynn, the mountains are silent and yet, loudly declare the majesty of our Lord. Amazing 🙂
What a glorious memory. I am just returning from a mountain vacation in Alaska and completely identify with the sensation of a bowed and worshipping heart.
We have not been to Alaska but I would imagine its beauty would be astounding. It’s a vacation my husband and I would love to take one day.
I like the way you describe being bowed low at the sight of God’s majestic creation. Sometimes we forget in all our doing to just bow low and worship.
You are so right, Barbara, sometimes we forget. And God is so gracious to silence us with His creation. I am thankful He does!
This is so powerful and beautiful, Joanne. I love the Thomas Brooks quote on God’s sovereignty and your closing words here:
“He is still breathing the word, His Word into our lives, into our circumstances, and bringing new life.” Yes!
Love, love, love this! It reminds me of similar experiences where I’m overwhelmed by God’s creation and glory.
Amen, Joanne. He is the author of countless wonders, our highest dreams, our deepest praise.
Oh yes–to get away from city lights and soak in the vastness of stars is an awe-inspiring experience for sure! And to think he knows each one of those ka-zillion stars by name (Psalm 147:4)! I shake my head in wonder, and bow my spirit in worship.
The few times I’ve been were I could really see the stars gave me the same feeling. I think of Abraham believing God when he tried to count them. Beautiful post. Thank you.
Thank you for the mention, Joanne. What a surprise!
This is such a treasure for me to have read today. I imagined myself right there with you as you delicately detailed that night…That vacation. This>>”God’s Word, and creation, display His character and His power to us in ways our minds simply cannot comprehend. ” Wow! So awe-inspiring.
We used to go on a family vacation in the mountains of Vermont every summer. This was when the children were still children. My sister and her children, me and my children, my brother, and my mother would all go for a week to the mountains. I remember getting to a certain point in the drive and the air would change. God’s mountains also spoke to my soul.
Joanne,
Your words transported me to the evening under the stars and the glory of His creation! Thank you for this, “I am sure, God will intervene in the lives of His people at the right moment, for He is faithful to His own.” It comforted me.
Blessings,
Tammy
Amen, Joanne! It’s hard to see the stars where we live … too many trees and city lights, I suppose. I love it when we’re in a place where we can look up and see what you saw: God’s power and glory written across the evening sky. I hope you have a wonderful vacation the lake this year. 🙂
We just had an opportunity to enjoy the Rocky Mountains, Joanne, and it was refreshing to our souls. May you and your family have a wonderful vacation!