Days Without the Sun

Spring has been so dreary in New England this year.  April only had four days of total sunshine. Gray clouds and light sprinkles to pouring rain have continued to drag our weary bodies and souls down. Oh how we long for the sun and warmth! Nature still takes its course despite the weather and the days grow longer. We watch the birds return, buds sprout on trees and flowers push their way up through the ground.

But what a difference the sun makes! I watched with gladness when my perennials shot up five inches after only two days of sunshine. I enjoyed coffee on my patio in the brief warmth and felt a sense of relief. It gave me a renewed feeling of energy and a better attitude.

This is true of our spiritual lives as well. A day without the SON is also a little bit dreary. Without spending some time in prayer and reading God’s word my day is not as focused and my spirit can sag.  

²⁸ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.²⁹ Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.³⁰ For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matt 11:28-30 (NLT)

Jesus calls us to come to Him. We are to leave our worries and problems with Him believing that He loves us and is at work in our lives. Our God is not a harsh task Master but has promised good things to us. So many people misunderstand God because they don’t really know Him.

               My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.      John 10:10 (NLT)

We all have days in our lives that are gray and seem never ending.  I find a lot of encouragement in the book of psalms and chapter 42 is a favorite of many because it describes the weariness of the soul. If you are feeling blue, I encourage you to read the whole chapter.

⁵ Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and⁶ my God!     Psalms 42:5-6 (NLT)

Even on the dreariest day I can have Sunshine in my soul.  Anyone who knows me or has read my blog knows I love music. I’ll end today with the words to a dear old hymn.

There is Sunshine in My Soul

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.

O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine,
While the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face
There is sunshine in my soul.

There is springtime in my soul today,
For when the Lord is near
The dove of peace sings in my heart,
The flowers of grace appear.

There is gladness in my soul today,
And hope, and praise, and love,
For blessings which He gives me now,
For joys laid up above.