Experiencing God's Presence #289

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.

Psalm 19:4-6

Psalm 19 gives us a picture of the glory of God being revealed in His creation—particularly through heavenly bodies. The skies are continually speaking of His greatness. And in the middle of the psalm, the rising sun becomes an illustration for His own movements.

The Presence of God is like the dawn. When we wake up to the reality of the Presence, it’s like a sunrise in the heart. Every area of life—circumstances, relationships, responsibilities, plans, and goals—is seen in a new light. We get new eyes. We see the limitless possibilities offered by the beginning of the new day. The hidden features of the landscape are unveiled. The cold night air begins to warm. Dawn is full of hope.

The “dawn” theme shows up often in Scripture because we crave newness and God offers it. We’re told that God’s mercies are new every morning, and so are His blessings and promises and life. He spoke entire worlds into being and began a re-genesis with the Cross. “New” is what He does best.

Whenever you feel stagnant or stuck, ask for the rising of the Presence to come like the dawn. Petition Him for a new season of refreshing. Receive new eyes from Him and see the world in a new light. Then go explore His Kingdom in that light. Try things you haven’t tried before. Pray bigger than you’ve prayed before. Worship more zealously than you have before. Expect all things to become new.

Lord, You make all things new. I need refreshing from You. I need to wake up to a new day in life and see things in a new way. Give me new eyes, show me new mercies, and take me on new adventures.

From the book