The Beauty of God

My last assignment was in the Shenandoah Valley. My territory as district superintendent was from Strasburg to Staunton. Everywhere I went, I was accompanied by mountain views. When we moved to Richmond, I didn’t realize how much I missed the mountain views until I went back for a visit. There before me were the rolling hills, black cows on green pastures and magnificent mountain views.

We can easily miss the gift of what’s right in front of us especially if it’s there every day. It’s easy for us to miss the beautiful ways God works in and around us. We must learn to open our spiritual eyes so we can see the beauty in everything. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul yearned that God would give him the wisdom and revelation to know Him better. (Ephesians 1:17) Paul prayed that their hearts would be enlightened so that they’d know God’s hope, promised future and power. (vv. 18-19)

Paul’s prayer in the first chapter of his letter to the Ephesians (vv. 15-23) works hand-in-hand with the prayer in the third chapter. (3:14-21) Together they show us something of the astonishing purposes, power and love of God. Both prayers give us reason to consciously draw near to God.

As you open your eyes to the wonder and majesty of God’s creation, realize that God has created all that is before us, and this is God’s way of showing us how much He loves us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, shine Your light on me and open my eyes and my heart to better understand Your goodness and Your grace. Fill me with Your love. Amen.

Ephesians 1:18 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock