Don’t Hit the Snooze: Waking Up to God’s Light

Last Sunday, as my husband and I transitioned to daylight savings time (over an extra cup of coffee and caffeine boost, as I recall), we found ourselves in a thoughtful discussion, marveling at God's incredible design of the Earth and how we as humans, attempt to adapt to the natural rhythms of creation. Yet, even in our adjustments, we are merely aligning ourselves with the divine design that God has already set in motion. The Earth's tilt, its rotation, and revolution around the sun are all part of an intricate and awe-inspiring system that God has perfectly orchestrated.

Consider the tilt of the Earth's axis. The angle of the earth's 'tilt' as it rotates is constantly changing. It alternates, back-and-forth, which most noticeably affects the amount of daylight hours each day, but also the seasons in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. What an amazing phenomenon - the back-and-forth tilt of the Earth's axis is in perfect sync with the revolution around the sun - producing one year! If the tilt were slightly different, the balance of life would be drastically altered—perhaps leading to endless winters or scorching summers. The precise alignment of the Earth's size, atmosphere, and rotation creates a stable and habitable environment, allowing trees to shed and regrow their leaves, animals to migrate and reproduce, and life to flourish in rhythm with the seasons. 

This intricate balance is not by chance, but by the hand of our Creator.  As John 1:3 declares, "All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made."  Likewise, Hebrews 1:3 proclaims, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Creation is like a symphony, with each aspect in harmony according to God’s command.

In Mark 13, Jesus uses a budding fig tree as a metaphor for us to be watchful and attentive. Just as we can discern the changing seasons by observing and being in awe of tender, new growth, we are called to recognize and be in awe of God’s grand design. We are to remain spiritually vigilant, for no one knows the day or hour of Christ's return. (v.28-37). We may not like adjusting to daylight savings time, but we trust in the steady rhythm of the seasons and are called to trust in God's perfect timing. Though we do not know when Christ will return, we are assured that He is sovereign over all creation and time itself. 

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty and order of the natural world. As we marvel at your creation, help us to remain watchful and faithful as we await the return of Your Son. May we trust in Your perfect timing and live each day in obedience, hope, and awe. 

~ Originally from PA, Jennifer Korinchak became smitten with the Lake Norman area back in the early 2000s. She has lived here since 2014 and has been attending LIFE Fellowship with her husband Nate, and son Caleb since 2020.