Good Shepherd Lutheran Church / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Categories: Publications, Daily Devotions Daily Devotion by Peter Eller One sunny, warm day near the end of summer several years ago, Lake Isabella Park had a surprise waiting for this unsuspecting visitor. Rounding a bend in the road, several picnic tables came into view. Seated around the tables and in chairs on the grass were about three dozen people. Three guitarists were accompanying the group in an enthusiastic performance of the hymn “How Great Thou Art”. The warm, open air resonated with the beautiful melody. I lingered to listen in amazement and gratitude. The confluence of the natural beauty, the fair weather, and the joyous group of worshippers is an enduring memory. The question is, “Where was God that day?” Was God in the balmy breezes and the warmth that they engendered in my heart? The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:1-3 Was God in the soaring majesty of the trees and the natural beauty of the park? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. Matthew 28b-29 Was God in the joyous singing of the assembled group? Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. 1 Chronicles 16:32-33 Or somewhere else? Strong feelings of wanting to join the group and sing along. A feeling of kinship with people who (apparently) believe in the God I know and love. Curiosity about who these people are and what they believe. It was a long time ago. I lingered but a few moments and may never know those people, but it gave meaning to the words of Christ: For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20 Previous Article Daily Devotion Next Article Daily Devotion Print 7405 Rate this article: 5.0 3 comments on article "Daily Devotion" Roy Johnson Very enlightening, thanks for sharing your personal experience. 2/18/2021 11:27 AM Reply to john soller Peter - you certainly captured the moment. I could almost hear the music and feel the breeze. 2/18/2021 12:44 PM Reply to Danelle Buelsing How wonderful that the memory of that day continues to bring you joy! 2/18/2021 6:43 PM Reply to Leave a comment Name: Please enter a name. Email: Please enter an email address. Please enter a valid email address. Comment: Please enter comment. I agree This form collects your name, email, IP address and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. For more info check our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data. You must read and accept this rules. Add comment
john soller Peter - you certainly captured the moment. I could almost hear the music and feel the breeze. 2/18/2021 12:44 PM
Danelle Buelsing How wonderful that the memory of that day continues to bring you joy! 2/18/2021 6:43 PM