Opinion
Exploring the excitement of a new day with God
Ruth Lilley recently went with a friend to the coast to watch the sun come up, and shares with us her excitement at the beauty of that sunrise.
Ness Point in Lowestoft is the most easterly point in Britain and is, therefore, a great place to watch the sun come up! Whilst travelling to see the sunrise, the sky got lighter, and it almost felt like we were too late, and that the sun had already risen.
However, when settled – wrapped in our blankets with a cup of coffee – and waiting for the sun to rise, you soon realise that you most definitely haven’t missed it. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and I felt it was a tiny glimpse of God’s glory and splendour.
For me, there is something so mighty in watching the beginning of a new day. To view beauty in the gift of that brand-new day. To hold steadfast to the promise that, once again, God has made all things new. To know that I am safe in the hands and our majestic Creator and that, as the day begins, He has a wonderful plan for my day.
There is also something familiar in the arrival of a new day - a routine or just what is usual. I may have made plans for the day and placed certain expectations on what is going to happen. Just as we needed to make preparations for our journey to watch the sunrise so that we did not miss out, I might also have made preparations for my day.
As the sun rises, its beauty and radiance almost surprise me. What if I were willing to change my perspective and allow God to surprise me too? Instead of allowing my day to be the usual or the familiar or the routine, I could be brave and let God lead.
Keeping the brilliance of the sunrise at the forefront of my mind enables me to focus on the faithfulness of God. I know that I can trust Him as I place my hand in His and follow His lead. How exciting to know that the God who causes the sun to rise, will be purposing my day. To be able to breathe in the power that causes the sun to rise so that I am able to do today in the strength of that power.
I love that whilst the sunrise is familiar it is also very different! Although I am not up every day to watch the sunrise, I believe that each day the view will be unique. Today, I choose different and unique. I choose to believe in the newness that God brings, and I am excited to find out where He will take me. I pray that He will enable me to see things from His perspective and that I will not miss all the goodness that He has purposed.
The picture above, taken at Ness Point, is courtesy of Ruth Lilley.
Ruth Lilley has recently returned to teaching at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’
The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norwich and Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users.