Note: This is our last Musing until August 2, 2021. Sweet Selah Ministries is founded on the belief that humans were created with a need for meaningful work, but also with an equally important need for times of rest. July is “Rest Month” here at the ministry. It all stops. Podcasts, social media postings, online Bible studies, and blogging. All of it. And we enjoy a time of rest. This blog encourages each of us to find a way to stop the busy, to “look and see” all God has done to reveal Himself to us! Have a blessed July, friends, and enjoy today’s Musing. We’ll be back in August.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place … — Psalm 8:3 NLT

It was late at night in a cold December. My day had been very busy. At the time, I worked as a director with another nonprofit ministry, and I was also caring for my handicapped father-in-law in our home. Not to mention, I had a brand-new puppy who needed frequent trips outside. Even when it was cold. Even when I was tired. So there I was, focused on making sure she did her business, so I could pour myself into bed. Looking at the night sky was the last thing on my mind. In fact, the puppy had been given to me in November, and I had yet to notice on our nightly jaunts that there even was a night sky. I was looking down, watching for signs she had completed her duty—and then went back to mine.

On that night, however, I looked up. I looked up. Oh. A full moon was floating in a sea of twinkling stars. The stillness called to me. My mouth fell open in awe. Tears. Astonishment. Healing. All these feelings washed over me in the peace and majesty of that night sky. How had I missed this display of God’s glory for so long? Before the puppy, I never was out this time of night. It had been literally years since I had looked up, years since I had truly seen the nightly marvel God puts on for His creatures. I cannot fully explain the tingle I felt and the Holy Reassurance from my Father God that all would be well. He held me as He held the universe in His competent hands.

We need to look up more. We need to look around more. Paul tells us, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20 NLT). One of the primary ways God communicates with us is right above our heads. The vastness and beauty of the night sky is a testimony to our glorious Creator. In fact, everything God has made testifies to His faithfulness, His power, and His goodness.

It’s almost July. In that month, we folks who work with Sweet Selah Ministries hit the pause button and stop. Throughout the year, we certainly take Sabbaths and Selah Days and mini breaks, but having a month off is a different kind of restorative—one we’ve found we need. It’s time to stare at mountain lakes or admire cloud patterns from hammocks. It’s time to smell the roses and admire the butterfly. Of course, we all still have many other responsibilities. Children need to be fed and clothed and snuggled. Husbands often do too. [Ha!] Some of us have other jobs as well. But for this season, each of us will have fewer responsibilities and more rest. Please pray for our team as we stop. Ask God to refresh and restore and rejuvenate each dear woman, speaking to her heart in the quieter days and preparing her for the sweet work ahead for this ministry starting up again August 1.

Our wish is that you, too, might be able to make room for some hammock time and star-gazing moments of wonder this summer. May God show you His glory in special and surprising ways!

Father God, thank You for the beautiful world You created! You truly do speak through the stillness and majesty of Your creation. Give us eyes to see, dear Lord. Help us to look and study and marvel and … stop. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

 

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

 Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

Donate
If you’ve been blessed, keep the blessing going!
Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

 

 

 

 

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2 Comments. Leave new

  • Candie Remick
    June 28, 2021 3:56 pm

    Sharon, thank you for this. I needed this today as I have
    something I am struggling with.
    Thank you, dear God for the beauty and majesty that
    we are able to see all around us from Your creations.
    Thank you for Your love which is revealed to us in
    the Bible and also is our guide for living. Thank You
    for Your grace, mercy and all of Your blessings. In Jesus’
    name. Amen

    Reply
    • Sharon Gamble
      June 28, 2021 4:21 pm

      Candie – I am SO glad that this Musing touched you where you needed touching. May God be ever-so-close to you, today!

      Reply

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