This is Delicate Arch (Arches NP) from the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, about a km away. The arch looks much more humble from this distance. Without any reference point, it’s not obvious that it is about 5 stories tall.
At a far distance, it is easier to the “big picture”. And the big picture is important, but can hide a lot of important details. I can assure you, it looks far different standing up there looking down through the arch toward this point.
Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting let the name of the Lord be praised. High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens his glory. Who is like the Lord our God, enthroned on high, looking down on heaven and earth? Psalm 113:2-6
(Photo: sunset in Medora, North Dakota)
If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when God pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Psalm 127:1-2
I read this Psalm recently and was taken aback. I consider myself to be an early riser, and admit that I take some pride in that quality. This Psalm serves as a reminder of where my strength lies.
(Photo: Kiawah sunrise)
Come and behold the works of the Lord, the awesome deeds God has done on the earth. Psalm 43:9
(Photo: Delicate Arch, Arches NP)
A stone is not the sun, but this one is imitating the sun. It is said that imitation is the highest flattery. Even more importantly, we are encouraged by Paul to “be imitators of God… and live in love” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
(Photo: Sunrise at Galina Breeze, Jamaica)
This is Natural Bridge in Makoshika State Park, Montana. The bridge is near the center of the photo. It is fairly easy to see from this viewpoint, but was hard to see clearly from anywhere else along this trail.
“O give thanks to the Lord who is good, whose faithful love endures forever.” Let the redeemed of the Lord say this, those redeemed from the hand of the foe, and gathered from far-off lands, from east and west, north and south. They wandered in a barren desert, finding no way to a city they could dwell in. Hungry they were and thirsty; their soul was fainting within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their need, and God rescued them from their distress, guiding them along a straight path, to reach a city they could dwell in. Let them give thanks for the love of the Lord, such wonders for the human race: God satisfies the thirsty soul, and fills the hungry with good things. Psalms 107:1-8
(Photo: White Sands NP)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth. My soul will glory in the Lord; let the poor hear and be glad. Magnify the Lord with me; and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears. Look to him and be radiant, and your faces may not blush for shame. This poor one cried out and the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he saves them. Psalms 34:2-8
(Photo: Wind Canyon, Theodore Roosevelt NP)
This is the Wind Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt NP. It is near the Little Missouri River, but was actually formed by erosion from wind and rain rather than the river. This makes me think of how God appeared to Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-12) – not in the strong and violent wind (or earthquake, or fire) but in a light silent sound.
We often expect to see God in large and dramatic ways. Seeing God in all things also means looking for God in the small and common things that we encounter.
Lord, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
Psalm 139:1-3
(Photo: Medora, ND)
Signs Along the Way 