A Disappointing Sunrise—A Hope Filled Sunset!

Oh no! What was that noise?

Without moving, or even peeking out from under the covers, I knew what that noise was: it was rain. My heart sank! Yesterday’s weather forecast sure was wrong. Today was suppose to be sunny and warm, yet the sound of pelting rain immediately contradicted that prediction. My first thought was to burrow deeper in the softness of my quilts and try to ignore the sounds from outside, but it wasn’t possible. I was already too awake, and quite honestly too disappointed to fall back asleep. Now I was fully awake and fully focused on the sunrise that seemed to have vanished before it even arrived.

Making my way to the bedroom window, I was able to see just how dark it was. There was a full blown storm whipping around out there, which meant today’s plan of heading to the country was going to be put on hold.  And, it looked like the same was true for this morning’s sunrise. This certainly wasn’t the morning I had planned.

I had been looking forward to getting away for our little vacation for several weeks. For me, part of the pleasure is the anticipation. Even the planning is exciting! And today was the day all that anticipation was coming to fruition. This was the day to get away, set the busy schedules aside, and breathe in some fresh country air. 

Yet what I hadn’t planned, or even considered, was this unknown variable. I had not anticipated that an unpredicted, fluke of a storm would show up and put a glitch in the image of what I pictured this day to be. This change took me off guard, and what was left behind was disappointment, which then turned into a disheartened spirit. In other words, I had an attitude! My perspective, as I was heading toward the kitchen to get my first cup of morning coffee, was one that was more focused on what was missing in this day, rather than the possibilities of what this day could bring. Little did I know, my perspective was going to change.

Grabbing my second cup of coffee, I could see the rain still wasn’t letting up. With everything on hold I thought, “why not take advantage of the delay.” There’s time now to sit down and have a leisurely Bible Study, instead of being so rushed. Let’s just say I think the Lord had a good chuckle as I read…

Needless to say, my attitude changed. I literally laughed out loud as the irony of what I was reading hit me smack-dab in the face. “Let the name of the Lord be praised.” I needed to hear that gentle, but firm reminder: praise the Lord “both now and forevermore.” There is no provision written here for unforeseen circumstances. It doesn’t say to “praise Him” only if things go according to your plans. Nope, we don’t get a pass  just because our heart is disappointed. God’s Word is specific, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” 

The rest of the story…

The clouds finally did roll away and we were on the road by early afternoon. The drive was wonderful! The ground was still wet, but it was a beautiful, sunny drive through the countryside on our way to the campsite. However, the real surprise came later that evening when we went exploring. For there, tucked away on a little country road was one spectacular sunset.

The setting of the four board fence, with the trees and sun setting in the background was a picturesque reminder; God’s Word is true. It is being lived out every single day of our life. In the big and the small details in our lives and in His creation we really can see it! But, our eyes must remain open. It isn’t always easy, but when we look past the distractions, to the perpetual, life giving hope that is written in God’s Word, we find real joy. Today was a perfect example of that; for a day that started out in darkness, certainly finished in the beauty of a hope filled sunset. Thank you Lord for seeing to the details…the gift of Your message is received!

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

The name of the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3 NIV