No Light of Our Own

 Every time the full moon emerges and lights the deck behind my house, I remember...

I developed a habit many years ago of rising early in the morning and the tranquility this quiet time affords me is valuable.

Each new season presents a canvas painted with nature’s diverse personality. It’s like receiving a morning greeting from my Heavenly Father.

In late spring and early summer as I step outside with coffee cup in hand and look heavenward, I am surrounded by a feathered chorus that reminds me of my Creator. I am in awe of Him as I pause to reflect on the wonders of all that He has created. And, more marvelous still, to realize that His voice keeps everything in our universe in harmony. The Psalmist, David wrote: The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. Psalm 29:3-4 (NIV)

And, on a dark winter morning, as I went into my place of solitude to begin my reading and devotional time, I lifted the shade and looked out across the field behind my house. The breathtaking artistry displayed in that moment of time has been indelibly etched upon my mind. The snow that covered the rolling fields had been kissed in the daylight by the warm rays of the sun and the frigid nighttime temperatures created a glaze over the surface. The full moon cast its light, creating a brilliant reflection across the landscape. And a single, leafless tree, like a sentinel, stood in the midst. I was in the very presence of God! And rendered speechless by His awesome creation.

Immediately, the Holy Spirit began to teach and remind me. As I recalled passages from the prophet Isaiah, I believe the Father was affirming me in the faith; giving me courage to persevere:

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)

Our Heavenly Father knows just the right moment to speak words of comfort and reassurance to our hearts, reaffirming HIS great love for us.

These quiet moments alone can give deeper insight to spiritual things. As I processed what my eyes beheld, I was reminded that we, like that brightly shining full moon, have no light of our own. While the moon can only radiate brilliance from the sun, so it is with us; we can only reflect light when the Son is present . And when we walk in total obedience allowing nothing to dim His Presence, from us His Light will shine upon the pathway of life so that others need not be left in total darkness.

Through much prayer and Bible reading, may we be assured that the glorious Light of the Gospel will illumine the atmosphere all around us. Let us pray, then that the Light of Jesus will draw others, and they will, in turn, see their need for a Savior.

From the Bible we have this promise: When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of life." John 8:12 (NIV)