This past weekend I attended an outdoor wedding celebration held at a nearby nature preserve. The weatherman predicted storms throughout the day, but it seemed God had another plan. He held back the floodgates, and the day was gorgeous! After sharing in this wedding celebration with the bride and groom, I now know why.
“For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.” (Psalm 47:7)
I was pleasantly surprised by the ceremony and reception, because the focus of the wedding wasn’t so much centered on the bride and groom as it was centered on God. The entire event was nestled in the middle of God’s creation. We were surrounded by nature’s sights, sounds and smells. It was a spectacular setting for a wedding. Creation itself shouted the glory of its Creator, and the decorations made many references to the Lord’s blessing of their union.
“Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth!” (2 Chronicles 2:12)
During the ceremony, after the young couple lit the unity candles, the bride and groom stood facing away from the congregation, looking out towards the nature preserve while a worship song played in the background. At first, I was confused because the couple appeared to be talking but they weren’t looking at each other; instead they kept focused straight ahead. Then all at once I realized what was happening… the couple was praising God! The bride was singing along with the worship song and her hands were lifted up in praise. I was so touched that it brought tears to my eyes. As I said, the bride and groom were not the center of attention on this day – God was!
“How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Psalm 47:2)
Isn’t that the way it should be? God should be at the center of everything we do. Honestly, I believe God kept the rain away for this young couple, because He knew the couple was giving Him center stage to shine brightly on their day.
May we always keep God the center of our attention, no matter the occasion, giving Him the praise, honor and worship He so rightly deserves.
“I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:1)