The Sunrise

I love the sunrise. There is something very special about the sunrise. It brings renewed energy. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here; we have today. The expectation of what a day will bring forth. Typically, one’s mental and physical health is at its best in the morning. Ah the sunrise, the dawning of a new day. I thank you LORD for blessing me with one more…

It is my normal routine to be running each morning when the sun rises. Furthermore, the route I run intentionally puts me facing east when the sun comes up. Each sunrise is different. It may be the clouds, the sky color, or it may be the time of year which determines the exact location of the sunrise on my route. They are all different.

I have witnessed some memorable sunrises. At the beach, what a blessing it is to see the sun rise over the water. In the mountains I am always awed as I watch the first peak of the sun’s rays over the mountain. On a cruise ship it is worth the effort to arise early and anxiously await the first ray of the sun across the horizon.

Although I haven’t been there yet I am told there is a popular site in Hawaii, Haleakala, which brings visitors to watch the sunrise. I have a friend who made this trip. He said the anticipation was very great as the group watched the horizon. And at the climax of the moment, the sun’s first ray shot across the Pacific Ocean like a laser beam. The sound of camera shutters filled the air but it would not be possible to capture a moment like that.

I will say that Teresa and I were able to witness a memorable sunset at the Grand Canyon National Park. There is a popular point there that draws many visitors to witness the sunset. It was beautiful indeed but as much as I enjoyed the sunset, there is still something more magical about the sunrise.

Whether I witness it on vacation, on my morning runs or from my chair in my study, it is a spiritual experience. It always affects me deeply.

Some may say “Glenn it seems like you are worshipping the sun.” Well I am worshipping, but not the sun. Not the creation. No, no. I am not worshipping the creation. But rather I am worshipping the Creator.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 19. It begins “The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Later in verse 4, the Psalmist continues, “In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber…”

Verse 5 continues, “Its rising is from one end of heaven and its circuit to the other end.”

Almost every major religion has some connection to the worship of the sun. The ancient heathens worshipped the sun and had a special celebration around the Winter Solstice. Saturnalia was a time to celebrate the return of the sun. Now the Psalmist had no problem with sun worship. He loved the sun but he was clear in his knowledge of Who had put the sun in its circuit. That was the Deity worthy of worship, not the object itself.

I love the sunrise. I love the beauty of the creation. But what it really does for me is cause me to worship Him Who spoke it into existence.

And as beautiful as is the creation, the best is yet to come for the faithful child of GOD.