Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, Rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4 NKJV)
It’s been several years since we visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Whenever we go, I love waking up early to watch the sunrise. One morning, it appeared as if the clouds would prevail. Instead of giving up and returning to bed, I waited to see if the sun would make its grand appearance. The sun began playing peek-a-boo through the clouds, but the clouds refused to budge. Yet the brightness of the sun shone through them.
Clouds get a bad rap because everyone wants to see the blue sky and cloudless days, but this day the clouds held such beauty. We want our lives to mimic those sunny days. If the clouds had retreated that morning, I would have seen an ordinary sunrise. Beautiful, but ordinary. Instead, God painted an extraordinary sunrise using the clouds. Certain glories of God cannot be realized until the clouds appear.
It’s the times of heartache and grief when we feel the comfort of God like never before. When our health fails, our vision dims, or our pain escalates we see God’s grace unlike any other time. It’s the times of weakness when we feel His strength. These are seasons for rejoicing.
Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he penned these words. Not a likely place to rejoice, but it is not the circumstances that give us a reason to rejoice. It is the Lord! Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, repeated it;
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, Rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4 NKJV)
I have seen God work in my life. I felt His grace when I struggled to learn braille. I felt His protection when I walked guided by the Hand of God and a white cane. I have witnessed His grace in the midst of pain, and I have felt His comfort when my heart was broken. I look back on those times, and I am reminded that the Son is still shining even on a cloudy day. Yes, the Son of God, Jesus, refuses to dim His light, even for a few clouds. Even when we can’t see God’s hand, we must trust His heart.
Are the clouds refusing to allow the sun to shine in your world today? Perhaps, right now, all you see is a black sky with no beauty and no light. Friend, remember Jesus is the light of the world, and He isn’t shining any less when we can’t see Him. Please hold on because God is going to show you something you have never experienced before. Something unforgettable! Trust Him as you wait. Keep praying and holding onto His hand. In His time, He will allow you to see His glorious Son in a glorious manner.
Jesus, we thank You for being our light in a dark world. Break through and let Your light shine! In Jesus’ name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Romans 8:28 NKJV
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
HIKING THE TRAIL
It’s difficult to believe something good can arise from something so bad. These are the times when our faith grows. Trust Him even in the dark.
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Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious will encourage you on your most difficult days through 30 devotionals. Learn more here.
Originally posted on August 13, 2020 @ 7:55 pm