Worthy

There’s something about going through a dark time, one where at times I couldn’t see what was ahead, that illuminated and helped me find the many reasons I have to offer God praise. As I sit here this afternoon I could type the list of the many big reasons I have to lift my praise and it would be long, but surprisingly it’s been the little things lately that have made me keenly aware of how worthy God is of my (our) worship. 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11(NLT)

Now you know as well as I do that when walking through difficult seasons it can feel as if there’s nothing to be thankful for. Our pain, disappointment, fear, anger, and exhaustion can blind us to seeing His gifts. For me, those were the very times He’d reveal small glimpses of Himself to me. You too? 

A word, a look, a song, a sunset, a giggle, a hug, a butterfly, a leaf against the blue sky, a dandelion from the yard, a little hand in mine. Again, my list is long; but believe it or not, it is this tiny Acorn cap that brought me to my knees. 

Until I zoomed in on this discarded top, I had no idea the beauty it held inside. As I began looking at them more closely, I found the unique, intricate, lacy design etched around each center. Even now it brings me to tears because honestly, who am I? Who am I to deserve such care lavished on me. Who are we?

I’ve often marveled at how each bird that comes to my feeders has its own feathered markings, of the minuscule patterns in the center of flowers blooming in the Spring, or the iridescence of a bothersome fly’s wings; and now, the underside of an Acorn hat that often remains unseen and tossed away by a hungry squirrel. Why? Why did God design things with such artistry and beauty that may just go unnoticed? I’m learning that the answer is love.

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

Life is hard. Trouble comes out of nowhere. Our prayers aren’t answered as we hoped. Our way is unclear and in our weakness we fumble…and then…we see Him in ribbons of pink across our sky, a stranger’s smile, little boy eyelashes that flutter in their sleep, or an Acorn that stops you in your tracks. Who am I? Who are you?

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children and that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1a (NLT)

We are loved by the Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything in them. He’s given us breath and calls us His own. Life does surprise us, in big and small ways, good and bad, but through it all I’m reminded that there’s always something deserving of my praise and One worthy of my worship.

“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to God as long as I live.” Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

Thank you for coming along with me on this writing journey. The Holy Spirit has been generous and given me much to ponder. Each day He provided me with a lesson I needed. I pray that there were offerings for you, too. As always I am so grateful for presence here.