ARTICLES

For the first time in weeks, we woke today to a clear sky and full sunshine. Previously, days were dim, the sky was white, and each morning we wondered why we didn't join others who lived in places where the sun shines year-round!

Maybe we will, but for now this is the reality. We live in the North where the summers are short, winters drag on with snowstorms in the spring, and fall is beautiful - at least for a couple of weeks.

Seeing the sun this morning made me happy, and I felt hope rise. Yet I immediately realized how false of an idea I was celebrating.

Hope is there, like the sun, whether I can see it or not. It is always there. It is omnipresent, like God, simply because He offers it. Hope does not come from our circumstances or what we wake up to. I can see it anytime I look to Him for anything or on Him to give Him thanks.

Perhaps that is why we stay in the North. We've learned the sun is shining whether we see the evidence or not. And every morning that we wake to its bright light, we remember what a gift both sunshine and hope are.

Matthew 5:45b   For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (ESV)

Jeremiah 14:22   Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things. (ESV)

Pray with me:   Heavenly Father, we thank You that You provide sunshine and hope for our good. We set our hope on You today for You are our provider of both. In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm 133:3   From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! (ESV)

Truth in Nature: Every day is filled with hope if our eyes are on God.