by Robert Warren

Lying in bed in the soft linens of comfort one can easily overlook the beauty of the simple things like the natural beauties beyond the window. In this time of COVID-19 when we find ourselves isolated to our houses, it’s easy to overlook the beauty in this world. We can miss what may seem like a subtle thing that turns out to be something actually quite extraordinary.

When COVID-19 first started no one thought it was going to get as bad as it has. Countries shutting down. Who would’ve thought it could come to this? Now, we are all isolated in our houses. It has definitely evolved.

When you’re a Christ-follower, it can be difficult. We may feel separated but God speaks to us through the sky. It’s things like sunrises, sunsets, stars and rainbows that the Lord uses as tools to reach us and to demonstrate His handiwork to us.

Since working on a ship and seeing the world, I have really learned to appreciate the sky. I like turning to it, especially now, to see that there is beauty lighting the world even during dark times. It’s a wonderful outlet that can brighten the day by seeing the gush of God that shows how extraordinary He truly is.

During times of stress, I have been relieved by the sight of a rainbow reflecting off a window, a double rainbow in the sky, rainbows reflecting off sugar containers or even bouncing off water. I have witnessed sunrises that gush with purples, pinks and other beautiful colors. I have seen sunrises burst of oranges and browns like from The Lion King. I have seen sunsets that have the sun falling behind the ripple of water and reflect light upon its beauty.

This all begins by looking up. If you don’t look up, you don’t see it.

Then even during times of stress, I see a beautiful clear blue sky with dolphins gliding through the sea and jumping in the air, playing, without any realization there is something going on wrong in the world. This frolic of fun, and that newness like how a baby first sees the world, that is how I want you to begin to see. Christ can take you there and I truly believe lots of that can be taken from the sky. Look up! You don’t wanna miss it.

Psalm 19:1-2 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge” (ESV). He is demonstrating His work to you day and night! We can use this as an opportunity to meditate on the Lord!

Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law He meditates day and night.” God’s glory is out there, all over. How can we miss it? If we don’t read, we don’t study, we don’t look at the sky, how can we see it? We must pay attention.

When I started really looking at the sky, and I mean really looking, I would see there was more to it. I began finding the times the sun would rise, and the sun would set and it totally changed my perspective. It’s amazing, this beauty, that is out there in the world. We just have to make time for it.

The more time I spent pushing myself to realize the beauty of the sky the more I would get excited to be there to witness the glory of a sunrise or sunset. It’s an extraordinary experience getting to see the masterpiece some never really give much time to experience. I even got so excited I at one point would rush to grab my camera and be ready to start a series of sunrises at sea to bring light to a dark situation like COVID-19.

You know? The sky speaks. It tells a story. It’s an experience. It shows what God’s glory is really like. Even a simple thing like a sunrise. Think! God creates that amazing experience of the sun and the horizon on a daily basis. The atmospheric effects are unbelievable sometimes as well. Beautiful luscious colors bounce off the clouds from the light of the sun. Amazing!

Actually, what’s amazing is it’s not just the sun that’s amazing either. It’s also the moon and the stars. Did you know the sun is just one of 100 billion stars in the Milky Way? How crazy is that? And to think God knows all of them by name is indescribable and unbelievable. Our God is an almighty God that’s for sure.

When it comes to the sky people need to become more aware of how beautiful it actually is. So, when you are in isolation, bored and not sure what to do, try getting up early. Look up online to see what time the sunrise is and push yourself to witness it.

Try looking for the sunset. Try looking for the rainbows. Try looking up. It’s so easy to look down during times of darkness but try looking for the light.

Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” We just need to let Him speak to us.

The Lord is gushing His speech but we must listen. Give yourself an open heart, soul and mind. It’s time to look up. See the light in the darkness.