I’m ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe. Ready to sing, ready to raise a God-song: “Wake, soul! Wake, lute! Wake up, you sleepyhead sun!” (‭Psalm‬ ‭108‬:‭1-2‬ MSG)

Now, in the heart of the summer, when the sun seems to be fully awake (coupled with a dose of rare humidity) it’s hard to imagine the sleepy sun of the other seasons. The sun, of course, stands in stark contrast to my own children who, without the necessity of school attendance, rise at what seems to be only minutes before noon.

The Psalmist writes of his own readiness to rise, to sing, to celebrate. This is the quintessential “Good morning, God!” kind of person. Admittedly, the idea of this kind of early morning worship energy seems largely foreign to me. I’m barely able to see straight without coffee — the universally accepted stimulant of the weary work-worn masses. But, there have been a few moments this summer that gave me that unmistakeable feeling of  readiness — readiness to raise a God-song.

Yesterday morning, on the beach, I walked alone — a little solo time. I watched families of tourists trying to navigate California surf on rented boogie boards. I watched scores of waves frothing over the tiny tide pools teeming with life. I saw the vast ocean and felt the heat of sunshine. This — all of it — is what scholars refer to as “common grace.” It is all those things that tell a little piece of God’s story without using words. The apostle Paul writes that “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood by what has been made…”

Maybe what Paul is saying is that in looking all around — really looking — God’s story will become a bit clearer. When He and his invisible qualities come a bit more into focus, it gives us reason to “raise a God-song.”

This week, as we  continue in our Epic series, Doug Fields will be teaching. Don’t forget: After the 11 o’clock service, we’ll head to the beach. Bring a friend and some sunscreen.

See you soon,
Jeff