I love the early morning, long before the sun rises. This is my time alone with God. Quiet time. It's the place where I sit with God's word, listen to Him speak, and share my deepest thoughts with Him.
There in that quiet place, He leads and guides me, comforts and encourages me, and challenges me to step outside of my own boundaries and limitations.
But sometimes, there are those special mornings. They are what I call "glorious mornings." These are the times when God puts on a beautiful show, affording me a glimpse of His glory.
Jesus must have had many glorious mornings, for He often rose early, and went out to talk with His Father — He is my great example —
In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Mark 1:35
One such morning I had spent a beautiful time alone with God in His Word. And then, just as the light of day was casting a glow in the sky, I looked to the east and saw clouds in the sky. I knew this had the makings of another colorful desert sunrise. I could not resist. I grabbed my Nikon D810 camera and tripod, got in the car and ventured out into the cold, excited to see how God would paint the sky.
But then, I glanced to the west, and caught my breath in surprise. There was the moon, bright and beautiful, just beckoning me to capture its image. The clouds hung low on the San Jacinto mountains that surround this Coachella Valley of California.
What was I to do? Go to the east and catch the glow of the sun rising? Or go to the west and capture the moon setting? Something inside me drew me to the west. So I drove to my favorite place where I shoot incredible views of sunsets and set up my camera and tripod. I captured image after image of the moon, clouds, and mountains. The quiet of the morning was almost deafening in its silence and solitude. I talked with God about many things there in that beautiful place. And then, seemingly at a time appointed by God, as the sun was rising in the east, a pink glow covered the desert landscape and sky, lingering for a few moments. But there was just enough time for me to capture those images, marking the time and place where I had met with God.
It was, indeed, a glorious morning.
Today, dear friend, will you resolve to have some glorious mornings with your Lord? Grab your Bible and sit alone with Him, pouring out your heart about everything in your life. Your life will tell the story of those times alone with God, and you will bear the marks of one who has been alone with Jesus.
Dear Lord, thank You for early mornings alone with You. They are truly glorious. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
