“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, ‘I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.’ ” John 8:12 (CEV)
The Light Makes it Right
WARNING: Whining in the forecast. You may want to take cover……
See the picture above? Well, that sunless, gray, gloomy, threatening a downpour kinda sky, accurately represents just how I’ve been feeling lately. Things seem to be going every which way but right. Cut into a seedless watermelon to find it full of seeds: clouds of dissatisfaction move in. Gifts ordered and promised to be delivered by a special date end up being delayed: clouds grow grayer with frustration. Plans hoped for, aren’t going to work out: the sky is obscured with disappointment. And now, heartbreak and tragedy have happened too close to home: the gloom of discouragement hangs oppressively in the air. There’s a storm brewing in my heart and a deluge of tears has been looming. Life feels dark.
From trivial inconveniences to life changing events, I have let the dreariness around me be all that I see. Let’s look at the photo again. Notice what I’ve been missing?
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5
Yes, the Light in the midst of the storm is exactly what I’ve been missing! While I’ve been looking around and focusing only on the “overcast” circumstances surrounding me, I’ve forgotten to look up and see the Son shining through.
“I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.”
John 12:46 (CEV)
Jesus didn’t come so that we’d have sunny days all our lives. He came to help us through all the unexpected storms we’d face. I think we know more about that now, than ever before. How easily I forget in times like these, that I don’t have to remain standing alone in the darkness of my moods and feelings. Maybe you’ve been standing there, too.
“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-9 (CEV)
In writing this, I now realize that I got my title all wrong. Instead of “The Light Makes It Right”, it should be, “The Light Makes ME Right”! Our life situations aren’t necessarily going to change: the clouds will roll in, skies will get gray, and rains will pour down, but when we rely on God’s power to weather our storms and the Light of Jesus to show us the way when we’re in the dark, WE will be what is changed. And that change? It will then be a light in us, shining The Way for others.
I sure am glad most of you haven’t had to be around me in my whiny state these last few days! Is it ever time for a change in my “weather outlook”! What a “God-incidence” that I took this picture a few evenings ago, the prompt this week at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Right”, and that He would give me these words just when I needed them! I love when He does that! I’d love for you to share in the comments how you handle the dark, gloomy times in your life. For me, I’m going to begin focusing on that Light of the world that cannot be overcome! God Bless You and thank you for stopping in.
I’m sorry you’ve been having dark, gloomy time, Cindy, but I love how you point us to the light. It helps me to remember that God is with us whatever we’re going through and that his love doesn’t change no matter how we feel.
Thank you for your kind words Lesley. In all that’s going on, I really want to remember that God is in control and like you say, that His love never changes. Thank you for the encouragement, Lesley! You’re a blessing to me!
I’m a glass half full girl and my favorite scriptures noone else may choose- Hab 3:17-19 and I can relate to your feelings Cindy. I’m so glad that God sends His voice (in many ways) to help pull us out of darkness. Without the Light of this world, where would we be? I am reshaping all the plans for the fall and it’s challenging but it’s also an opportunity to let His glory be my focus. Love you, dear friend.
Yes, you are a glass half full girl and that is why you inspire me so! I pray that I look for opportunities to let His glory be my focus, too. Love you back!
Cindy, sounds like writing this post gave you a fresh focus on the Answer to our problems. The last few years have been a series of challenges for me and my family. I want to whine about it sometimes too.
Yes, Suzette, I love when God sends me just the right words. I’m afraid I whine a little more than sometimes, but hopefully will begin to whine less as I focus on Him. Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping here.
Dear Cindy, you are not alone!! I’ve had the most frustrating, head banging last week. It’s easy to get down about it. But I just gird my loins, pray for help and know that in his time he’ll make it all right. And he has! He always sends us what we need. 😀 Love your blog and your sharing. Thanks g/f!
I need to have you record “He always sends us what we need” so I can play it over and over again! I always appreciate your perspective and am grateful for your support and friendship!
Your words made me thinking this:
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Keep living in the light,
Amie, FMF #21
So good Amie!! Thank you for reminding me of these words! Living in the Light is where we need to be for sure! I appreciate you taking your time to stop in!
I love this!! So encouraging and challenging!!
Thank you Amy! They are definitely words I need to take to heart these days! I so appreciate you taking your time to stop in.
My life has been more of the same here lately. I find when I’m up in the morning line today and can watch the sunrise come in my soul feels lighter. A new day. A day to change my outlook. Circumstances around me might not change but how I look at them will.
New day, new attitude! It’s a great strategy and oh, how God’s handiwork sure reminds us of how blessed we are doesn’t it? Wishing you a blessed week! Thank you for sharing Becky! It means a lot to me!
John 1:1-5 are some of my fave verses! Blessed to be your neighbor this week at FMF!
Those verses sure have blessed me in this funk I’ve been in. Thanks for taking your time to stop in Tara!