Seeing God in Everything

I was power walking with a spring in my step yesterday. That's when I heard this song on my playlist AFTER I posted a photo of the skies that were filled with, what I called “cotton candy” clouds. My post read: “For days God fills His skies with cotton candy – oh, it’s going to be a sweet, sweet day.” Right on God’s queue came Toby Mac’s song, “I see you in everything all day.”

It was a “Way to go, Donna!” from God. I just know it. He saw me recognizing Him in everything little thing, and I’d love to think, “all day”, but I need to work on that! And, I think He was telling me that, too! “Donna, don’t just see me on your walks, but see Me in everything – the beauty all around you AND even the not so beautiful things, but in My hands, they can become beautiful. EVERYTHING is in My hands to produce in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Me!" (Philippians 2:13)

The truth is this. Every day we have the choice of looking for the good in everything or focusing our attention on all the negativity and bad that is out there. Let's be good-lookers! If you have the chance – listen to Toby’s song, “Everything” first thing in the morning – it will surely put some spring in your steps for the entire day, too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RIp_t3gKZw

"I see You in everything, all day
And every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
I see You in every little thing, all day
No matter where I go I know Your love is finding me
I see You in everything
You're all up in everything

I did a little research and found out where the inspiration came from for this song. Here’s what Toby said on Twitter and Instagram on July 25, 2018: “I was on my way to the studio one day to write this song, a song I had in my head but not really in my heart. So, on the drive, I said a really simple prayer. I said, ‘Daddy, if You want me to write a song other than this one, will You show me something?’ As I continued drivin’, my eyes began to open and I could hear Him saying, ‘Nah, Toby, I’m not gonna show you somethin’. I’m showing you everything.’ Isaiah 43:19 says, ‘I am doing a new thing in the land. It’s springing forth; do you perceive it?’ I walked in the studio that day with a fresh song to write. Yep, a new song in my heart. And I’m gonna fight to keep lookin’ for God in everything all day.”

So, there you go! No wonder Toby’s God spoke to him, like our one and the same God speaks to us. Instead of seeing the ugly and nasty around us – we just need to open our eyes to all the wonders of our wonder-working God! I’m so glad to be on THIS side of blessings! How about you?

"For by Him ALL THINGS were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16

A Daily Epiphany

Last Sunday we celebrated Epiphany – the manifestation of the Lord – when the magi’s eyes were opened to the King of kings. I desire a daily epiphany when my eyes are opened to my King.

I post my blog for today. Now I’m in my cozy chair with my throw blanket tossed over my lap. I reach for my well-worn Bible, my daily devotional and my journal. A deep breath in and a slow exhale. It’s my time, it’s His time. It’s our time to be together.

Before the electrician arrives to do some repairs. Before I go on errands. Before I go to Weight Watchers. Before the day’s activities are in full go-mode, I get to be with Jesus. For a few quiet moments, I don’t have to share Him with anyone. The words are always fresh to me. A new reading in His Word and a new reflection. What will He show me today? What will be my “epiphany” today? I take it in like it is a required prescription to keep me alive. After all, it is the Bread of Life – physically and spiritually.

But, sometimes, my mind is overactive with my to-do’s and it’s simply a “routine” that must be done. Please forgive me, Lord, for those times when I only give you a quick glance. Sometimes I have an “aha” when I read a verse that I know was written with me in mind. Other times -- not so much. I pause and whisper, “Lord, open my eyes to see the wonderful things in Your Word. Help me understand what You’re trying to show me.” I don’t want to miss a single thing that God has for me. I don’t want the distraction of the clock or daily assignments to pull my thoughts away from His. I really do not want my time with Jesus to be a quick “meet and greet”. I really do want to pray, ponder, understand and respond.

My sweet mother-in-law, Lydia, has been that kind of pray-er and ponder-er. Every time I read Acts 16 where a woman named Lydia is introduced, I think of Mom. Lydia and her friends are having a prayer meeting on the riverbanks. The Apostle Paul and his traveling companions stop by the prayer meeting. Lydia is already a worshiper of God, but as Paul shares the Good News of Jesus and His redeeming work on the cross, Lydia has an “epiphany”: “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention and to respond to the things said by Paul”. (Acts 16:14).

I absolutely love that: “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention and respond.” Oh, how I desire that my heart is opened to pay attention and respond to my Lord. Lydia’s mind is opened and she receives a fresh revelation of Jesus. He deposits a desire in her heart to learn more about the gospel of grace that Paul is sharing. I think of an old song that is actually a prayer. May it be our prayer today.
“Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,
to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.”

May this be our heart’s greatest desire — today and every day! May we open our hearts wide so we can receive a fresher revelation of Jesus. No matter how much we think we know about Him, let us long to know Him more!

Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.”