Let the Sunshine In

One of the biggest challenges in my design business was getting good lighting in a room. Whether it was making sure there was a lamp next to a chair for reading, soft mood lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere, or the indirect lighting of wall washers, the right kind of light could make all the difference in the design of a room. But I have to say, my favorite source of light was the natural light from the sun. Nothing could make a room come alive more than the soft glow of sunlight bathing a room in its rays. So, pull back those curtains, lift up those shades, and let the sunshine in! The sun is vital to our well-being. We need it to grow our food, warm our land, and create a balance in nature. In fact, doctors have found that many people suffer with a condition in the winter called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. The gray overcast days of winter can cause depression, lack of energy, change in appetite, and irritability—all because there is not enough sunshine There’s another kind of darkness in our world today and everyone is affected by it. It is the darkness of sin. The Bible says we are separated from God because of sin. In I John 1:8-9 we read, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Isn’t that a great promise? You see, God made a provision for us to bridge the gap between the perfect, Holy God and sinful man, and that was His son, Jesus Christ. He was willing to give His own perfect son for us— because He loved us so much. Another verse tells us, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). You can’t get good enough to be accepted by God because we will never be good enough—but He loves you just the way you are, unconditionally. And while it’s true that Christ died for us, we know that God raised Him from the dead, so He is a living Savior! It doesn’t matter what church you go to, or what family you were born into, and you certainly can’t work for this free gift of salvation. You just have to reach out to God by faith and He will give it to you. Jesus said that He stands at the door and knocks. That’s your heart’s door and the only one who can open that door and let Him into your life is YOU! So, if the dark clouds of sin and separation from God are making you SAD, then step into the sunshine of His love and forgiveness and He will change you from the inside out. Jesus said in John 12:46 “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” If you want to invite Christ to come into your life, just ask Him in a prayer like this: “Dear Lord Jesus, I do believe You are the son of God. I know I have sinned and I need Your forgiveness. I turn from my own way and invite You to come into my life. I now receive You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” You have now started a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we have a relationship with anyone, we want to spend time with them and communicate with them. Well, the way we communicate with God is through our prayers and the way He communicates with us is through His Word, the Bible. I encourage you to get into that Bible and find out what God wants to say to you and the plan He has for your life. So now, lift your face to the SON so His light can shine in you as you are filled with His love and joy.