June 27, 2021

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: To Be In Awe

I can only imagine the feeling of seeing the Sistine Chapel for the first time (or really...any time!).  Even if you had no background in art whatsoever, you couldn't help but to be in awe.  Art has a way of inspiring us, transporting us, and leaving us in a state of awe.  I think the Sistine Chapel might just about blow my mind.  So often it is an almost "religious" experience.  I remember the first time I saw a work by Van Gogh in person.  It took me to church!  I sat down on a bench across from it, and sat in its presence. That might sound dramatic, but Van Gogh's work had always been a favorite of mine.  I studied it, thought of his life, watched others view it, and just tried to imprint the moment in my heart and mind forever.    I think another part of the equation is knowing the artist.  You don't have to have an art history background to appreciate it, but knowing the master's hand that painted such an awe inspiring work adds a layer of depth, understanding, and appreciation you might not have otherwise.  


One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:  
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, 
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

Do you ever find yourself in awe of God?  I think many speak of God being "awesome" or doing "awesome" things, but I'm referring to a deeper recognition of who God is & what He has done or is doing in your life.  Does our Lord bring you to a place where you just want to linger in His presence?  The writer of Psalms 27 asks God if he could dwell in the house of the Lord & gaze at His beauty.  When was the last time you wanted to "dwell & gaze" in relation to God?  In our fast paced world we don't often dwell anywhere well.  We are so rushed & divided that dwelling & gazing sounds like a foreign concept.  Nobody has time for that.  But you should!  If art can bring us to a state of awe & makes us want to linger a little longer...why can't God do the same for us?  What do we need to do, change, or incorporate that would bring this about?  Maybe we need to begin recognizing God at work in our life.  Maybe we need to get back into His word so we can have a clearer understanding of why He is so AWEsome.  


If art can bring us to a state of "awe"...shouldn't God?  

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