Sunrise in the Smokies

 

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the Lord is an everlasting rock.” (Psalm 26:1-4 ESV).

 

There is always something very special for me at sunrise and sunset. The picture I’ve attached was taken at sunrise from the chalet we are staying in while visiting in the Smokies. The weather has been stereotypical fall for the mountains of East Tennessee. I woke up just before dawn and walked outside on the front balcony and was greeted by this beautiful picture of God’s handiwork. I wish that I were a better photographer. This picture really doesn’t do justice to the incredible colors of both the sun rising and the fall foliage. Perhaps it jogs your memory of such beauty from the places you’ve visited though.

 

It brought me to our reading today which is taken from the psalms. I especially like the verse that speaks of “perfect peace” (v. 3): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” It is a description of the way in which the Lord gives a peace of mind and spirit to all who trust Him.

 

I’ve found there is always a time when circumstances seem to be overwhelming in my life. Whether it is a health concern or a financial setback or any of the other things that can be so challenging to our peace of mind, these things all act as a catalyst for anxiety. They want to rob us of peace. Recalling the times when I have seen the great majesty of God in creation and the many times He has already given me peace through them, I am then able to overcome the negative feelings that settle in.

 

Actually this is the basis of the amazing hope we can have. When it looks darkest hope reminds us that the sun will indeed rise in the east with the beauty of light. This is not some arduous task for the Lord. He simply speaks it into existence. If He can do that, is there really anything I will face that is too difficult for Him to overcome in me? After all, He is the One who has provided me with eternal life!