What's Good About A Sunset?

What's good about a sunset is what's good about a sunrise. And what's good about a sunrise is what's good about a moonshine (I'm not talking whiskey). And what's good about a moonshine is what's good about a starry sky. And what's good about a starry sky is what's good about the reason why. And what's good about the reason why is that they are all reminders. Reminders of what? Reminders of God.

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship." (Psalm 19:1 NLT)

The sky, day or night, can be fascinating. It can be spectacular. It can be magnificent. It can be full of splendor and glory. And it can be full of wonder. Remind you of someone?

The next time you marvel at a beautiful sky, I hope it fills you with wonder. I love the word wonder. The dictionary definition is something like this: "a feeling of surprise and awe, mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful or inexplicable." You look at it, and there it is, staring at you right in the face. And immediately, you are reminded of the craftsmanship of the Creator, his power and glory displayed. 

May the sky often take you by surprise, giving you a feeling of awe, mingled with an admiration for God. The sky is a way that God makes himself known.

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known." (Psalm 19:1-2 NLT)

Just look up. Look out into the sky. Raise your eyes heavenward. In the dead of the night, or in the bright light of day, the heavens, the sky, is continurally proclaiming something to you. It's done without words. And the same message is silently, yet powerfully, proclaimed around the entire earth to every creature. 

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world." (Psalm 19:1-4 NLT)

Every human is smart enough to get the message. You don't have to be a scientist or an astronomer. Everyone has the ability to sense it. Maybe even an inner instinct that there is something, someone greater. The vastness of the sky and universe hint of it. And therefore, no one is without excuse to realize that there is a God - that there is a Creator - and that we should seek out who this God is and come to know Him. 

"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)

With that in mind, consider the fact that the beauty of His majesty and glory which is displayed in the sky, in creation around us, can affect people in the same way but also in different ways. In the same way, it serves as a wake-up call, a reminder of the Creator God. Even if someone ignores a beautiful sunrise or sunset, or even if someone does not believe in God, the Creator of all things still displays His handiwork. It's still there for all to see.

On the other hand, His beauty and glory displayed in the sky can affect people quite differently.  For a seeker or a new believer, the sky, as well as creation around us, can simply be a reminder that there truly is a God who created everything. However, for a Christ-follower, someone who is walking with God through this life, it should be that and much more.

The next time you are taken by surprise in awe of a magnificent sky, let it stop you for a moment and not only remind you of God, but let it take you to a worship moment - even if it's ever so brief. A moment when you not only acknowledge that God is Creator, but a moment when you stop in your tracks, and are reminded of how good God is - how He's worked in your life - how He's promised to work in your favor - how He's blessed you even when you may not have realized it - and how He holds promises for you. And with a grateful heart, take a moment to give Him thanksgiving and praise before you walk on.