It is amazing what a change of scenery can do to our moods, to lift our spirits, and change our perspectives. It is so simple, yet so powerful. Some people want to ride until the map turns blue. The ocean and the rolling waters provide a sense of calm and relaxation that cannot be experienced elsewhere. Some want to go where the elevation is highest. The mountains, in all their majesty and power, provide the life they need to revive. It doesn’t have to be a destination, either. It could be as simple as sitting on the front porch instead of the back porch to give us a change. It could be we just need to take a walk in the woods for a while to relax. No matter where the change occurs, the scenery change seems to make a difference.
I think that God understood this part of us. Consider how he makes the seasons change in such a unique and powerful way. Flowers bloom, trees produce leaves, grass begins to grow, and the whole landscape comes alive in Spring. Summer brings different flowers and budding of different trees. As Fall approaches, leaves change colors, eventually to lose those same leaves. Flowers begin to fade in replacement of different flowers. The whole landscape becomes a different color. And then Winter brings bareness, yet a raw beauty of hibernation and rest before springing forward into new life. What an amazing change of scenery four times a year God provides. It is a cycle that goes unnoticed for so many of us. We just notice our allergies or that it is changing temperature. But God is providing us refreshment and renewal, growth and unique beauty. He has created this as part of a great big wonderful plan. We get the opportunity to be a part of it all.
Today, take a look around you. You might notice there is a change of scenery going on. If you look carefully, you may be reminded of the power of God. Breathe. Take it all in. Enjoy the creation. God is providing something amazing in this change of scenery. Don’t miss it!
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 104:14-24
14 You cause the grass to grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to use,
to bring forth food from the earth,
15 and wine to gladden the human heart,
oil to make the face shine,
and bread to strengthen the human heart.
16 The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 In them the birds build their nests;
the stork has its home in the fir trees.
18 The high mountains are for the wild goats;
the rocks are a refuge for the coneys.
19 You have made the moon to mark the seasons;
the sun knows its time for setting.
20 You make darkness, and it is night,
when all the animals of the forest come creeping out.
21 The young lions roar for their prey,
seeking their food from God.
22 When the sun rises, they withdraw
and lie down in their dens.
23 People go out to their work
and to their labor until the evening.
24 O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 