The incomprehensible beauty of Christ stuns one when beholding it for the first time through a spiritual lens.

His eyes penetrate my soul and spirit, laying waste the trivia of the world. Though He strips bare the mind’s hidden secrets, His gaze brings no shame. There remains a longing for knowing more of Him and wishing Him to know me.

Here is the God with unlimited authority who immerses me in His grace. Here is the God with a presence that breaks barriers of hate and prejudice. A warrior He is, whose intentions are freedom for the captive, a filling for the hungry, and acceptance for the forgotten.

This Jesus is present and center whenever I call on His miracle-working name. He is my sufficiency for every need, and I see His presence in the sparkling diamond blanket of sky. When surrounded with melodies of earth’s winged creatures and a kaleidoscopic array of fluorescent color and fragrance, I stand in awe.

We notice these things as a part of godliness when He is in us, and we are in Him. For without Him, we miss the glorious oneness afforded us through His creation. With Him we are in sync with the rhythm of His heart and with nature. In that place of inconceivable love, we are at rest.

Isaiah 35:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

The joy of the Redeemed

35 The desert and the parched land will be glad;

    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;

    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,

    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the Lord,

    the splendor of our God.