"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the Heavens. (Psalm 8:1)
On August 21, 2017 our country experienced what was recorded as a "Total Solar Coast-to-Coast Eclipse"! Some of the adjectives that described this experience were…"Amazing," "Perfect," "Beautiful," and some people were even reported as saying "Life-Changing"! These are quotes that described the total eclipse which swept across our nation in a matter of about an hour and a half, starting at 1:16pm EDT in Lincoln, Oregon and ending about 2:47pm in Charleston, SC. This was the first total coast-to-coast eclipse in 99 years. This total eclipse which occurs when the moon moves between the earth and the sun blocking our view of the sun in what is called a "Path of Totality." This Eclipse crossed 12 states and left those in its 60 mile wide track in total darkness for up to 2 minutes and 44 seconds.
Millions, some from other countries, traveled to see this wonder of science and nature. As the news and weather channels panned the crowds and interviewed people, I saw peaceful unity and shared excitement. For a while everyone seemed to focus on this extraordinary "Act of Nature." Among the crowds were people of varying colors, different cultures, different backgrounds, demographics and socio-economic backgrounds.
This was a glimpse of Heaven for me. It portrayed that when people have a single point of convergence, all the external distractions, forces or hindrances are removed from a place of importance. Even the news outlets placed all current events secondary to the Total Eclipse. Reporters commenting that during this time they too saw how people seemed to be congregated in joyful community for this historic event.
In my "Sanctified Imagination" I envisioned what it would be like if this could continue but with a different source of focus. What if we all focused not on this Total Coast-to-Coast Solar Eclipse and instead sought to see the Creator of the Sun, the Moon, the Stars and the Planets. Our Father, our God, the great "I Am," the One who gave us this inspiring, incredible phenomenon! The one who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, said the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
"The Heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1) It is our Father who is the author of the Solar Eclipse and He is responsible for all the "Acts of Nature." Just as the moon moved across the sun and there was darkness upon the land, Satan has moved across our planet and created darkness for thousands of years. When Jesus died on the cross Satan thought he had won. But just like the eclipse was temporary so are the times we are living in. God’s Word promises that "Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!" (Psalm 30:5)
The Path of Totality and all of the universe remains under the authority of our Creator God. Evil, divisiveness, and wickedness will never triumph over the True Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Love never fails! He is our Light and our Salvation, who shall we fear? "The Lord is the strength of our lives, of whom shall we be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) Even the Path of Totality cannot have total obscurity when the light of Jesus shines our way.
Many millions of people spent time, finances, and effort to travel all across this country to see the Total Eclipse of the Sun. I pray that as they reflect today on the magnificent spectacle of nature, they will look to God as the source for what we experienced. Lord, I pray they find true and lasting glory in Jesus the Christ. For in You, they will find hope for their future. They will find what’s really amazing and life-changing – Eternal Life! Jesus, is the true Path to Totality! His glory will be all the light we need and nothing will ever be able to extinguish His illumination!
For those who don’t know our Creator, those who know Him but are allowing the troubles and concerns to block your focus…today I say to you… find God’s amazing Grace and Peace and enjoy His light for all Eternity!
"Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always." (Psalm 105:4)
Cynthia Jones is a child of God, wife, mom and Shazzy Fitness guest blogger. Cynthia has led several Women’s Ministries for over 28 years; she and her husband serve all over the country, mentoring and teaching couples how to love & grow according to God’s design for Christian marriage. Subscribe to our newsletter and get awesome updates on faith, fitness, fun, family and fellowship!