So there I was, sitting on the beach with my toes in the sand, casting all my anxieties on Him, thanking God for all He has done for me, finding peace, and soaking up the magnificent masterpiece in motion that the Greatest Artist ever was constantly changing and displaying before my eyes.
An elder gentleman stopped in front of me and knelt down. The scene was priceless to me. Click went the camera as I couldn’t resist the photo opportunity.
I had no idea about what he was doing or what his situation was, but my mind was creating possible scenarios regarding this stranger’s life. I didn’t know if he had lost his wife and was taking a moment to find peace through prayer, couldn’t take another moment of God’s greatness without dropping to his knees and thanking Him, or simply had found a shell that he was examining. Whatever his reason was for bending down onto one knee was, I appreciated his stance and it brought me to pray for this man.
A few minutes later, he walked by me again. I arose from my chair, camera in hand, and went over to him. I told this gentleman, “I’m not sure if you were praying, taking a picture of the sunset, or glancing at a seashell but I could resist taking this photo of you. I write a Christian blog, and I would love to use this photo.”
He said, “I was doing a little of all three. I only live a few blocks away, and every chance I get I try to come see the sunset. I was always told growing up that I should come to the beach at sunset to see what God has left behind that day.”
For me, on that day God left behind:
- Peace. Peace in knowing that God’s got “this”. For my thoughts that day it was my missing dog and concern for my step-nephew and brother in the loss of their mother/wife. Whatever the “this” is in your life, lay it down at His feet. He’s got it. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
- Beauty and comfort. Soaking up The Son while watching the sunset is one of my all-time favorite things to do. God’s ever-changing display of beauty last night did not disappoint. He created ALL things. I praise Him for the visible, and hold onto to hope and faith in the invisible. He was holding me together with my thoughts as they were wondering. Whatever situation in your life may feel like it is crumbling, find comfort in knowing that through Him and in Him all things hold together. Lean on God. “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17
- Praise. Praise God for the new day He has giving you. Give tribute to Him for the glory and trials in your life. All day long give applause to our Creator. Enjoy soaking up The Son in the sun. “May the Lord’s name be praised from where the sun rises to where it goes down.” Psalm 113:3
- Prayer. By all means, don’t pray with your eyes closed while observing the sunset. Keep those eyes peered towards the ever-changing sky and talk the God that never changes. When you see how God constantly strokes the brush in the sky and is keeping the atmosphere in motion, know that whatever your worries may be, He can and will move them along and turn them into beauty when you pray and give it all to Him. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
