“ For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5
“Everything becomes more and more itself. Here is joy that cannot be shaken. Our light can swallow up your darkness; but your darkness cannot now infect our light.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce Share on X
Bloom Where You’re Planted
How many times have you heard that phrase? It sounds great when the light is shining and refreshing rains fall, but what happens when circumstances block the light? Julie Tsoukalas posted a blog about how sometimes blooming is not always possible. However, as Christians we can find the joy of God’s presence even when we struggle.
[Note: My pastor is doing a sermon series on Spring into New Life. My headings come from his sermon titled Distribute the Light based on Ephesians 5:8-14.]
Seeking the Light
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
John 1:4-5
My sister and I have been working on a trouble spot in my backyard. It is hard to mow and full of aggressive weeds as well as poison ivy, so we planned to put down landscape material and mulch in order to keep them out. She said it wasn’t a guarantee to get rid of the plants permanently. She used the same landscape material on her flower bed, but one of the flower bulbs didn’t have a hole big enough to sprout through. Instead, it grew to the edge of the material and popped up.
Plants will fight to live even in harsh conditions. Heliotropism is the directional growth of a plant toward sunlight. Sunflowers are famous example of this instinct as they always face the sun. My sister’s plant fought its way out from under the landscape material to find the light. Sometimes we have to fight through tough seasons and struggle to find joy, but the light is always shining in the darkness if we will seek Him.
Shining the Light
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25
As Christians, the Holy Spirit lives within us, so the light of God is always within us. Even when we are struggling, we have access to the light and to joy, but we have to be willing to be vulnerable and transparent. We live in a world of social media where everyone shows the A-side of life and use filters to make things look better. Media, in general, is always looking to put a spin on issues that will support their particular agenda. The Christian agenda should always be to glorify God.
I was watching Hearts in the Game about a baseball player and a publicist who is trying to improve his image. She is known for putting a spin on anything to make her clients look good. At one point she talks about how she had learned to put a spin on things and create a narrative about her life as a wall of protection, but it doesn’t bring her joy. It isn’t until we become transparent and vulnerable with those around us that the light can shine its brightest into the darkness in the world and be a source of joy that will bring glory to God alone. Share on X
Standing in the Light
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.
Exodus 14:13
Like flowers caught in harsh weather, we sometimes feel like there is darkness all around us. In those times, we can stand in the light of God’s love and trust Him to handle our situation. Once we have been obedient to all He has called us to do, we have to leave the rest in His hands. As Ephesians 6:13 says, put on the armor of God and having done all, to stand. Exodus 14:13 tells us to stand still and see the salvation of God.
Joy of the Lord
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10b
Nehemiah faced daily battles in his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and we too face daily battles. Yet, he took time to celebrate what God had done and told the people that the joy of the Lord was their strength. When you are feeling like the darkness is trying to crowd out the sun, take a moment to recall how God has worked in your life. Jot down answered prayers and count the blessings in your life for there is where you will find joy even in dark times. Choose Joy!
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Great, thought-provoking post Ms. Linda. Much to consider here ma’am. My initial thought is that if I have the joy of Christ within me, then I have His light. I may not always shine it as brightly as I should, yet it is still there, available to me. The darkness on the other hand is external. I may be surrounded by darkness by those around me or circumstances. I may introduce darkness into my own life. Yet, the darkness cannot encroach upon the light of Christ; the joy of my salvation remains intact, even if I can’t see it. How encouraging is your post my friend. Thank you!
As a farm and garden girl, your metaphor of plants taking extraordinary measures to seek light caught my attention immediately. Then you mentioned a recent movie you watched, which I also viewed this past week. I identified with the young woman, she maintained a busy schedule, but didn’t find what she sought. Your message reminds us that we are lost in th darkness without the light of Jesus. Thank you, Linda.