Sunsets have always intrigued me. In fact, I have been known to drive to the west coast of Florida and rush to the Naples Pier in hopes of catching a perfect sunset. I have boarded sunset cruises to chase the very last rays of light with dolphins leaping in our wake. Another time, I waited not-so-patiently for a table in lovely Key Largo and timed my exit so that I wouldn't miss a moment as the setting sun took its bow on the celestial stage, leaving a trail of orange fire across the horizon. Sunsets speak of closure and remind us that all good things must come to an end, while sunrises hold the promise of a new beginning. Conversely, Easter sunrise services have never tempted me to trade in my night owl ways, even on the holiest of days. Much to my chagrin, God places a high priority on mornings.
The Bible speaks of a joy that comes "in the morning" and this stems from a place that circumvents common sense and taps into a supply of audacious hope! No one would argue that the past three years have been a season of upheaval and distress. Even the most ardent follower of Christ may have experienced moments of doubt. We are in good company because Jesus himself experienced a temporary feeling of abandonment when he uttered the desperate question, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Perhaps you are asking the very same question and the media seems to confirm our worst fears. Anxiety has been the scourge of this generation and the mental health crisis is snowballing. Despite these things, we can walk a different path and leave another legacy.
Fridays are a special day in my classroom. On "Fun Fact Fridays," students often march in early--armed with their trivia facts. They are a competitive bunch, and they often astound me with well-researched (Jeopardy-worthy) information. I was particularly intrigued to learn that natural and manmade dust and pollution produce some of the most colorful sunrises and sunsets. Indeed, brilliant twilight "afterglows" frequently follow the most violent volcanic eruptions! This resonated in my spirit and chills went up my spine. This sixth-grade student had unknowingly imparted deep revelation because the natural world is a metaphor for timeless truth. In the aftermath of the storm, the sky becomes a canvas for a masterpiece and debris gives way to new development.
The Biden Administration has announced that on May 11th, the COVID-19 public health emergency will officially end. God has been with us through every moment of this three-year "night", but joy comes at daybreak. He blows His breath into the middle of the Red Sea so that we can cross on dry land. Our Redeemer calls us to new heights and new places, and we are no longer confined to the yardstick of yesterday. Bishop T.D. Jakes once spoke on throwing the anchor forward rather than backward so that hope can steady your weary soul. Consider this: When a territory is enlarged, the boundaries change and there is a transfer of ownership. The Kingdom of God is manifested to overcomers who know that grace is the cornerstone of our faith. You can survive AND THRIVE, defying the deep waters and raging waves; keep walking towards the rising sun where new mercies await you!
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
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