How Long Is Long Enough?

"Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;

their faces will never be ashamed."

Psalm 34:5

We saw a movie preview last night in which two people stood looking across the Grand Canyon. Their conversation went something like this:

First person, "I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon."

Second person, "Yeah, me too."

(5 second pause)

First person, "So how long are we supposed to look at it?"

Second person, "Well, I think at least ten minutes. I mean, it's so majestic, it deserves at least ten minutes, don't you think?  We should look for at least ten minutes."

(another 5 second pause)

First Person (antsy), "But, who would know?"

We stand in the Presence of an eternally creative God.  Are we impressed?  Do we stay still and humble ourselves before Him long enough to be amazed by His majesty, glory, omniscience, almighty power, and untouchable holiness? 

How long are we supposed to look at His majesty?

Long enough to transform. Long enough for joy to build before bursting open our cocoons and cubicles. Long enough to absorb His Light, to hear His complete sentences and to relax in trust and obedience. 

  

If we're too sophisticated to be impressed with God's creations and revelations of Himself, we're too sophisticated. When majestic mountains, lucid lakes, rolling rivers, sunny shores, a toddler toddling, the time-marked hands of a loved one, a flickering candle flame, snow on rooftops, the smell of rain on pine needles,  and a canopy of constellations in our back yard fail to lead us to worship, we've not looked long enough to even glimpse God. 

And, who else would know whether we glimpse or whether we gaze?  Again, we underestimate God's glory because when we allow ourselves to be stunned by Him and His handiwork, He shines in our attitudes, through our character, and from deep behind our eyes.

Lord, thank You that though I cannot travel far and will not see all of Your creation in this lifetime, You show me enough where I am to earn my complete awed amazement and worship. Shadows of dancing trees, light through windows, drumming rains, patches of pure white snow, purple haze of twilight, morning peach of sunrise, perfect blades of grass,  loving eyes, gentle hands, thoughtful gestures:  You're here with me and I want to look long enough to radiate You into this hurting, sophisticated world.  Give me all the time in the world to be still and know.
In the Name of Jesus, Who spoke of flowers in the fields and birds of the air