“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
The sky is overcast as I type this. It’s cold outside. And that pretty much describes how I’ve been feeling for two days. Yesterday I had several periods of sobbing. “I can’t keep doing this Lord,” I cried. “I’m tired of pushing myself to get the most basic things done. Tired of dealing with a mind that works so hard to focus on the task at hand. Tired of interruptions to care for physical challenges. I need a rest, some solitude, some time to unwind, to have my mind and heart renewed by You.”
I think back a couple of weeks. One morning, when the cheery daffodils my husband gave me for Valentine’s Day were at their peak, I noticed they were all facing our large kitchen windows. Their Creator made them with a passion for the sun. It’s as if they know they need it for their health, their very life.
We earthlings also have a critical need for what that brilliant star provides. I’ve been learning about light therapy, employed by those who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to replace sunlight on short winter days. This is my second winter using it regularly, and it’s really helped my moods. The full spectrum light provides what’s needed for the hypothalamus in the brain to produce a chemical regulating all the basic rhythms of the body.
Our sun provides light and heat. Yesterday, as I continued to work on this devotional, the bright sun made it easier to see, and provided comforting warmth, especially when I stood near a window. Similarly, when we are near the Lord, we can enjoy spiritual truth, and bask in His tender care. As our spiritual Light, He wants to deepen our understanding, and warm our hearts with joy and love.
Prayer: Lord, give me a passion for the Son. Deepen my longing for You, drawing me to “sit at Your feet.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob, an avid football fan. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. She loves nature, animals, music, making cards and, last but not least, being a grandma.
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