The Great Hunter, the Almighty, and Things to Marvelous to Understand

Cutting off my red headlamp, I leaned over and quietly hoisted my crossbow into the stand by the pull rope. Having it cocked and loaded, I settled into the stand to await daybreak. Perched against a giant oak tree on a steep hillside, my eyes continued to adjust to the darkness as I sat quietly in the dark reflecting.

I've come to treasure these early morning hunts. They are opportunities for a divine appointment with the Creator. Sitting quietly for the better part of an hour, before sunlight begins to light up the forest and awaken the creatures and critters within it, provides an incredible opportunity for worship and praise. 

I sat taking an inventory of my blessings. It wasn't long before tears were streaming down my face. I've seen enough hurt, dysfunction, and brokenness over fifty-plus years of living to know goodness, grace, and mercy when I see it. And God has showered plenty of it on me over the years. I have much to be grateful for. 

Our family continues to grow. My sons are married to wonderful women. Grandbabies are on the way. My wife and I are loving each other and laughing more than we ever have after thirty years of marriage. My career is going well. Ministry is going well. I'm as busy as I have ever been, but I feel like I'm making a difference where the Lord has placed me. 

And so with my heart exploding with joy and gratitude, I wept in worship. Leaning back against the giant oak, I lifted my eyes to the night sky, and there, through the limbs and leaves of that massive oak tree, shone Orion's belt. How ironic. The Great Hunter in the sky. Even he bends to the sovereign will of the Almighty.

If he commands it, the sun won’t rise and the stars won’t shine. He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea. He made all the stars—the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the southern sky. He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles. - Job 9:7-10

Exactly what I was thinking with my face toward the heavens and my head resting against that giant oak tree: "He does great things too marvelous to understand." All while keeping the stars shining, the planets in their orbits, and the oceans in their boundaries. The great things you've done in my life are too marvelous to understand. Thank you, Jesus.