The definition of twilight is the period of light between the setting of the sun and the onset of night, or the period of light between night and the rising of the sun. In both cases, the sun is not visible. At a personal level, it is the period between being conscious and fully awake and functioning, or the time between closing my eyes and falling asleep; I call those times my twilight zone.

Earlier this week, I woke up with this phrase on my mind: “Behold His Beauty” (see Psalm 27:4), and I was immediately transported back to something that happened a few years ago. It was something that was indelibly written on my heart, and I can picture it clearly as I write this.

Carol and I had gone to River Camp, near Evesham, to join our daughter and family for the day. The speaker on the Sunday was Paul Manwaring, and he was talking about seeing and focusing on something beautiful, and celebrating God. After he had spoken, there was a time of worship, and before it started, I prayed that God would show me something beautiful. After about 10 minutes of worship, I looked over to my right and, some 15 metres away, was our granddaughter on her knees, with her hands lifted up and tears streaming down her cheeks. All I can say is that it was truly beautiful, and I will always remember that moment.

Then, I remembered that a few years prior to that, Carol and I ran a conference titled “Heaven’s Reign,” and on the advertising poster was a picture of a little girl in a brightly coloured raincoat and wellies, laughing and playing in the rain: a beautiful scene.

On the Saturday afternoon, we had set that time aside for worship, where people could come and go as they pleased, but it was well attended. During that time, Carol was worshipping and kneeling on the floor, and our granddaughter, who would have been about seven at that time, came and sat on her lap. As the worship continued, she cuddled into Carol and whispered into her ear, “He’s here” — another beautiful moment.

In all of His creation, mankind is the only one created to behold beauty. You never see a group of animals sitting on a clifftop, admiring a magnificent sunset or gazing intently at a flower.

But how do we “Behold His Beauty”?

The word “behold” means to look intently or gaze upon; it implies taking your time and not rushing away. We live in an instant and frenetic world, but we are encouraged to take time with God. Perhaps this is what is meant in the letter to the Hebrews: “Fix your eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.”

We then come to the word “His”: that which belongs to God. His creation, His Word, and His presence all carry His intrinsic beauty. The only part we can play to enhance this is to come with worship and thanksgiving.

A few of us have recently been looking at a daily devotional by a friend of our daughter’s, Jarrod Cooper. All you have to do to receive it is google jarrodcooper.net, click on “Devotional,” enter your email address, and you will receive it daily at 7:00 a.m. Enjoy.

Love and Blessings, Dave.