It was amazing! It was also very simple!

A few moments ago I was sitting at my desk looking through the large window at the grass, barren trees, brush, and cloudy sky. Suddenly the clouds parted just enough to allow the sun to do its magic and everything took on a different appearance. What had been bland and even depressing was now bright and cheery. It was the same grass, barren trees, and brush as before but they just looked different. More importantly, I felt different – I felt better.

Research has shown that sunshine lifts people’s spirits and improves their self-esteem. It even makes us less grumpy and more relaxed. I have to say that my immediate emotional reaction a few moments ago affirmed that research.

I also learned a long time ago that spending time in God’s presence through prayer, Bible reading, and worship can have a similar effect on us. Life is often filled with clouds that block the sunshine of God’s love and it can fill us with many negative emotions. It can also defeat us spiritually.

Yet we are not left to the whims of nature. We may not be able to control the clouds, but we can control whether or not we expose ourselves to the sunlight of God’s holy presence.

I strongly encourage you to spend some time today with the Lord. Read one of the daily devotions in your copy of “Draw the Circle” or read a chapter in the Bible. Walk around your neighborhood and pray. Do something, anything…to be with God. Don’t just sit in the clouds.

You’ll feel so much better!

Pastor Steve Hogg