The Beauty of Life

It is April 7, 2020...my 41st birthday! I’m up early and the house is quiet and still. I intentionally waited for my birthday to write as a gift to myself. The Lord put this upon my heart to share with you as I celebrate differently this year!

This week, the sky has really spoken to me about the promises of God, though I’ve always had a guiding vision through nature. I did a meditation devotional on the Bible App called “Being Reminded of God” because I was feeling very anxious. This is what I was reminded of: 

-“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalms‬ ‭19:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

-“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observing the sunshine we’ve had in Michigan and having a view of the sky while working from home allowed me to really appreciate these verses.

Also, from the beginning of the year, I have been super excited that the Pink Moon is happening today, on my birthday! Now, the moon won’t be pink. That’s just the name given to April’s Full Moon! As I look to the sky, I will get to see the full moon I love as a special birthday gift from God!!!

When you look at the Pink Moon with me tonight, remember the power of God!

-“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalms‬ ‭8:3-4‬ ‭NLT

God gave us these promises, exemplified through nature, to remember to look to Him always!

-“I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalms‬ ‭121:1-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If my birthday and the Pink Moon weren’t enough, God also allowed me to celebrate my birthday during Holy Week. What started as a triumphant entry resulted in crucifixion. But on the third day, He rose!!! And there was joy after suffering! I’m reminded that John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus as the prophet Isaiah said would happen.

-“Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”” Isaiah‬ ‭40:3-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, the Word of our God stands forever! The only firm foundation is the Word of God. With it, we can survive anything!

Our natural default is to rely on how we feel to guide us. Right now the world is experiencing a pandemic unlike most have ever seen before and it’s unleashing some intense feelings. Feelings won’t change the outcome. They are fleeting. A moment can change them. What does not change is the Word of God! He does care for us. He sees the full picture. He promised it would be for our good. His promises are true in heaven and on Earth! With this, the Lord has drawn me to more closely observe the beauty of life! The lives of those here on Earth and the lives of those with the Lord!  

I have been asked as my birthday approached how I felt not being able to traditionally celebrate. I’m blessed with another birthday to enjoy the gift of life, now and forever thanks to my Savior, Jesus Christ, so I am grateful! Nature reminds me of the beauty of life. God references nature so often in His promises to us! He also states that we will eventually wither in these earthly bodies. Yet, as stated in His Word, we have everlasting life through salvation!