Early Morning Surprise
“‘I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand–I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.'” Isaiah 51:16 NIV
I’m really not an early morning riser. However, here I was, again, driving the freeway at “o’dark thirty” in the morning. It was the day after Christmas and our youngest son had to fly back to Arizona for work while the rest of us lounged around California for two more days, visiting family and friends.
On the return trip from the airport, the azure morning sky was seeping through the dark cloak of night. I could feel my whole body begin to relax as I recognized familiar sites on the way back to the hotel. I sensed the Lord’s hand upon me. The tense grip on the steering wheel eased up and I began peeking at the transforming sky.
Quick glances in my side view mirror revealed heavenly pink-filled clouds streaking across this blue canvas. Raspberry pink flooded the clouds overhead as the sun welcomed this new day. My eyes carefully glanced at the drama He was brushing across the morning sky. Oh! Where was my camera? Cozyily tucked in at the foot of my bed back in the hotel room. Yet, how could I capture this landscape while speeding down a California freeway anyway? So, I once again proclaimed the Lord’s glorious handiwork on earth. And took joy in this intimate worship service with the Lord.
Above me now, the pink clouds thinned into fingers stretched above my car as if the Lord’s hand itself was resting upon me guiding me and protecting me through the journey.
What a wondrous picture He had painted of His protection over me. Wishing I had my camera, I sped along the road only to enter blankets of fog that obscured the road ahead. In minutes, the low lying patches began to thin and the road ahead was again clear. It reminded me of our journey through life. How the road can be obscured at times and we must follow the One who is leading us. Our self confidence is gone and we must trust much more in the Only One who knows what is ahead of us. Then we pass through the fog and on the clear road we sometimes make the mistake of trusting in ourselves again.
I passed through several patches of fog on my way back that morning yielding many opportunities to follow the One leading the way. I found He is trustworthy and surely His hand is upon us–even when we can’t see those threads of pink fingers stretched above us.
“The Lord will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7&8 NIV
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That is so beautiful. I find myself looking more and more at God’s awesome sky. I need to get to bed earlier, so I can see the sunrise. Love your picture and verses ~ Blessings ~
Knowing we can trust HIM in all kinds of weather. No one can match his dependence!
Comforting words you have shared of your experience. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Beautiful picture and really encouraging verse. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Such beautiful imagery. Such words of encouragement! Happy Spiritual Sunday 🙂
Janis,
My heart resonates with this post! The glory of the Lord in His creation brings me to worship Him every time!
His leading us, when we cannot understand or see, trusting in Him, finding Him unchanging, ever faithful.
Hallelujah!
Beautifully written.
beautiful post….and picture.
What a beautiful picture. Thank you for sharing your story and I liked the “o’dark thirty”. That is too funny!!! I’m an early riser though.
How comforting to know our great God is keeping watch over us. This is lovely. Thank you for visiting today. Blessings!
This is such a beautiful post – I’m going to look at the sky a little more intently now. 🙂 (…unless I’m driving. 😉 )
Hi Janis,
Although you didn’t bring your camera, your words paint a vivid portrait of the handiwork of God’s creativity. Thank you for sharing this moment.
I find great encouragement in these words, “It reminded me of our journey through life. How the road can be obscured at times and we must follow the One who is leading us. Our self confidence is gone and we must trust much more in the Only One who knows what is ahead of us.“
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
What a gorgeous photo…and a beautiful post! Isn’t great when we see His power (and creativity) in the skies?! And I always like to think that–especially when I’m out when I wouldn’t ordinarily be–that He put the beauty there just for me to see! 🙂
Just spectacular…Love this!
What beautiful thoughts you have shared with us. I can relate even more because I’ve spent lots of time through the years on those California freeways. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte