Scripture for Today:  Ecclesiastes 11:7  “Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.”

I love the contrast in this photo of light and dark. The clouds heavy with rain move just enough to reveal the sweet light behind them.  I love to be in the sunlight and I seem to appreciate it even more after the darkness of the clouds.  Soon, I will be moving to the land of almost continual sunshine in California.  But I know from experience that after a few months of that sunshine being uninterrupted, I tend to take it for granted.  Of course, it will still be a pleasure to my eyes, but the contrast that makes me appreciate it may more often be missing.

Our verse for today is written by Solomon in a book filled with references to the sun.  The phrase, “under the sun” is often used when speaking of the futility of life.  All of life is said to be meaningless and vain if not lived in right relationship to God.  Even sweet light and the pleasure of seeing the sun has no real meaning without knowing its Creator.

The context of our verse also speaks of remembering the darkness.  There will always be in every life those days of darkness.  Remembering those hard times helps us appreciate the sweet light so much more when it arrives!  Recognizing the contrast makes me grateful for every ray of sunlight!

I am so thankful for a loving personal God who gives me just the right amount of darkness and sunlight.  I can trust Him as He gives to each day what He knows is best.  He allows pain and pleasure, and “mingles toil with peace and rest.” (Day By Day)

Thank you Lord, for the sweet light of Your presence.