The salt spray whipped my face as I grappled with the harsh criticism I had just received. I felt as battered as the rocks piled haphazardly in the path of the thundering waves. The roaring, turbulent, grey water thrashed onto the desolate beach.
From the horizon a streak of emerald green advanced rapidly towards the land. The dark shadows fled in fear from the encroaching band of sunlight. Blue sky dashed after the threatening clouds, chasing them towards the distant mountain peaks. The scene changed in an instant to one of beauty and hope.
Out to sea another streak of colour, dark grey, moved in fast. Within a matter of minutes the shadows returned. The beach was again dismal and overcast. But there was a difference. I knew that the sun was there. It would shine again.
My life is like that. Deep in the shadows of despair, overcast by clouds of suspicion and distrust, everything looks dismal. But when I allow the Son to shine through, His light chases the shadows. I still face the same storms, the fierce winds of criticism. But I take heart – for I know that the Son is still there.
Over to you: No shadow can remain when the Son is allowed to shine. Where do you need Him to shine today?
SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on some of the ways God's Son-light shone through and chased away the shadows in the cancer valley. It is available globally in print or online in e-versions.
Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook. Sign up for her newsletter.
There are so many dark corners in my mind and heart that I don't know where to begin.
ReplyDeleteGrief continues to well up after years and years. Memory brings up all my shortcomings, and the list is as long as your arm.
But I remember that God loves me.
See John 17:23 "I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Suddenly, in that perspective, nothing can be wrong, go wrong, or steal my joy. (Yes, Oxford comma.)
Judith, I know a bit of your background and I'm sure it takes a huge amount of self-discipline to keep your eyes on the Lord through the years.
DeleteI recently visited with a friend who was desperate and despondent because of some serious situations with her adult children. She came to me for something - anything.
ReplyDeleteI told her "I don't know what I can say except this: the sun comes up every morning." She needed some predictability...something that was sure...something that spoke hope...something that pointed to the Son.
In His wisdom, God planned for the sun to rise each morning. I think He did it on purpose! Because we need that daily reminder each day - He is with us. When nightfall comes, the shadows can creep into my thoughts and make things seem worse than they are. But then I remember, the sun is always shining!
Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement Shirley.
It's funny, Kathleen, but you're right. It's always easier to stay positive in the daytime! What a lovely thought, especially on this international blog. Whenever it's dark where I live, the sun is shining elsewhere! It never goes out.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Shirley and great reminder. Bitterly cold here today in Australia due to wind but the sun is shining.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dale. Yes, we're freezing at the moment too. Port Elizabeth is South Africa's "Windy City" and right now it is more than earning its name! Add a soft rain to the scenario and brrr! It's better to be inside!
ReplyDelete