In step with God: Look up and rejoice! - 17 January 2024

Early one morning, not long after Christmas, I was delighted to be greeted at my kitchen window by the sight of the delicate, ephemeral radiance of a rose-gold sunrise as it reflected on wafty, cotton-woolly clouds. In the stillness of the morning, elated at this unexpected sight, I whispered, “Lord God! How wonderful you are!” Spontaneous heart worship followed for all that this sight signified, inspiring thanksgiving and a song – before I put the kettle on.

The song that had captured the moment was one of the earliest verses learnt at Primary School – a simple, joyful hymn which went like this:

“When morning gilds the skies
My heart awaking cries: “May Jesus Christ be praised!”
Alike at work and prayer
To Jesus I repair;
May Jesus Christ be praised!”

We’d sing with great gusto as the music triumphantly emphasised, “May Jesus Christ be praised!” I didn’t understand the significance of everything then, but I’ve grown to appreciate that God’s Spirit moves in such a way that worship and living are intertwined in rich and meaningful experience through the life that Jesus gives, and everything in Creation points back to Him: He “was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made …” and “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:2,3a,4)

The opening words of Psalm 19 encourage us to look up to the heavens and the magnificence of God’s handiwork, visible for all to see. Whether we gaze at a riveting sunset, watch a dramatic storm, or thrill to the enchanting sight of millions of stars – and the ever-changing moon – it’s easy to believe, “How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!” (Psalm 19:1, GNT)

Everyday pleasures around us take on a new meaning when we look up and acknowledge the Giver, and find freedom to see beyond ourselves and our own limitations as we let God’s Spirit stir our hearts. The more in step we are with God, the more we can see him everywhere and delight in the breath-taking wonders that he generously gives to all, making each day an experience to revere him.

May Jesus Christ indeed be praised for all that He has accomplished!

We have recently been able to celebrate the wonder of his humble birth at Christmas time, and worship him, but the day is coming when, “in honour of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. (Philippians 2:10-11, GNT) And we will know the joy of bowing in worship before his throne.

Prayer: “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”(Psalm 8:1) Lord Jesus, there is no-one, and nothing, to match you and all that you have done for me. Help me to worship you with joy each new day. Amen