Woman falls into mall fountain while texting.
The headline came from a news story. It might sound silly, but how many times have we missed something important because we were distracted by something else?
I had been looking forward to some rest and relaxation with my family in Georgia while we camped at a beautiful farm. One evening at dusk, my husband built a fire. I gathered around with my cell phone in one hand and my coffee in the other. As I glanced around the campsite to catch the hustle and bustle of the other campers, my eyes suddenly looked toward the open sky. It was pure perfection—possibly the best sunset I had ever seen.
My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude for such a magnificent sight, and I felt the sense of peace I searched for. If I would have fallen into my routine of checking my emails and social media, I would have missed God’s beautiful display of creativity. I spent the remaining daylight time marveling at the sky.
In the daily grind, we are so focused on getting where we need to go that we often have our nose to the ground. At the end of that time, I Nebuchadnezzar raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. Nebuchadnezzar knew there was a time to look toward heaven. When he did, his sanity was restored.
Sometimes we need to quiet the chaos of life and soak up the glory God has given us on earth. This reminds us of His greatness and removes the focus from us. No matter what the situation, we can always look up. Our time is temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal.
When things demand too much of your attention, look up. Then place those things to the side for a moment and glorify God by marveling at something He has created.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Jennifer Stengel-Mohr grew up in New York but moved to Pennsylvania in search of a quieter life. There, she began her ministry. Her passion is helping others know the power of the Lord in their life. Jennifer has spoken at several women’s ministry retreats and events. She is a wife, mother, and linguistics professor who enjoys using the arts to connect people, language, and the gospel.