A Prayer to See the Beauty All Around Me
By: Kristine Brown
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)
We drove through the scenic backroads to our favorite getaway cabin. Our annual trip to view fall foliage is my favorite tradition, and I couldn’t wait to spend the next few days taking in the beauty of the changing leaves. I anticipated the solitude as I planned to sit on the porch reading a book with a steaming cup of coffee in hand.
To my surprise, the view that awaited us at the cabin was not at all what I expected. A storm had ripped through the night before, leaving the once colorful trees bare and lifeless. My heart ached as I realized we’d missed what once was beautiful.
Ecclesiastes chapter 3 is a poetic reminder of the importance of every season in our lives. The first few verses remind us that we will all go through both difficult and joyful times. Then, verse 11 gives us hope beyond what we see right in front of us. The hope only found through faith in our amazing Creator. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Everything made by God is beautiful, even if we can’t see it in the moment. He works all things together to achieve His great purpose. So when we look around and see nothing but barrenness, we can know the beauty is there, waiting to be revealed according to God’s perfect timing.
As I relaxed on the porch during our trip and took in the view, I realized I didn’t need the changing leaves to experience God’s creation. I could still see beauty all around me: in the time spent with my husband, in the warmth of the fireplace, in the crisp, cool mornings. Each blessing gently reminding me of the hope I have in God. He makes everything beautiful.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your beautiful creation. Your Word says, “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) When my circumstances look hopeless, help me to see the beauty of everything created by you, through you, and for you.
Lord, in seasons when I struggle to find anything beautiful, reveal those blessings you want me to see. I know that even in the darkest times, something glorious is waiting to burst forth in splendor. I can get so caught up in my circumstances that I forget to keep my eyes on you. But when I look at the world as your creation, I see things differently. Instead of despair, I find hope. Instead of pain, I discover beauty.
Forgive me for letting difficult seasons cloud my view of your goodness. Even when the situation looks bleak, there is still beauty to be found all around me. Thank you for giving me a renewed view and helping me to remember that your timing is perfect.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
For more spiritual growth resources, check out this free digital download from today’s devotion writer Kristine Brown, 100 of God’s Promises for Your Unraveled Heart. You’ll find weekly encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at her website, kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book, Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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Originally published Tuesday, 08 February 2022.
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