Mornings have become my favorite times. For a lifelong night owl, this has been quite the transformation over the past several years. Ever since I moved to Indiana, I have fallen in love with the early part of the day. The temperature is mild and the humidity level is comfortable in the hours before the sun comes up fully. The sounds of birds and insects provide an amazing symphonic backdrop to the exquisite colors bursting forth on the new day. It is peaceful, quiet, and calm. The stillness of the morning engenders stillness in my heart. I am awed by the beauty that surrounds me and bask in the exquisiteness of God’s creation.
As a general rule, I think we don’t spend enough time being quiet and taking in the majestic creation that surrounds us. Our lives are busy and chaotic. God’s world is calm and ordered. We find peace when we are in tune with nature, for this is how we were created to live. I’m amazed at the technological advances in my own lifetime, yet none of it holds a candle to watching an ant carry out impossible feats of strength and determination as it moves throughout its day. Marvels abound around us if we simply take a moment to notice.
Hunger is a rampant and horrible problem in our world. Despites decades of planning by the brightest minds, we still have not figured out how to feed everyone in the world. Yet I’ve never seen a bird starve to death. God has so carefully and precisely designed our world that He supplies food for all of His creatures. It’s only when man intervenes that the system gets out of whack. God will provide for all of His creation providing we submit to His authority and rule. His world and plans are perfect.
Jesus said to consider the splendor of the lilies in the field; they don’t work for their growth or beauty (Matthew 6:28-29). They simply depend on God for His provision and care. Meanwhile humans take it upon themselves to figure out the best way to beautify and sustain our lives. We think it is up to us to provide for the needs of ourselves and our families. If we would only surrender fully to God and trust that His ways are best, we could find the peace and beauty of the lily. We need not strive for anything save for obedience to our Lord.
I encourage you to examine your life. Where have you become too busy? In what areas do you consider yourself to be self-sufficient? What worries weigh on your shoulders? God created you and will provide everything you need if you will simply give up everything to Him. Your life can be just like the stillness and calm of the early morning. You are part of His creation. He knows what is best for your spirit and mind. Stop trying to figure out this thing called life and rest instead in the arms of the one who already has it figured out. Be still. Be calm. Surrender and find the life you’ve always wanted.