Are you feeling anxious, discouraged or depressed these days? Does the world around you seem darker? Do you need fresh hope and a bit of brightness?
When my thoughts and moods become dark, heavy or negative, I often recall a dismal season of my life. One summer evening when I lingered in my garden long after sunset, I noticed how black the trees looked. Even my flowers appeared dark against the light gray of the sky. Although I knew the garden contained beautiful hues, at that moment, no matter how hard I squinted, I saw only shades of black and gray. The change in lighting had altered my perception and my ability to see any other colors.
It was only with the morning light of the next day that I could once again see the vibrant hues of my petunias, zinnias or sunflowers.
I still have moments of doubt, worry and fear when my perception of life is dismal. No matter how hard I struggle to see the bright lively colors of life, I can only see shades of black and gray. I’ve learned during those times, it’s often best to cling to God as I wait through the night until the light of morning.
But waiting can be stressful because we don’t know when the light will break through in our lives. Many times we find we want to do something to remedy or fix our situations. Oswald Chambers says, “One of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God.”
For example, for several years I have prayed for the truth in a situation to be revealed. It has yet to happen. God, however, has clearly shown me, through a sign in a local jewelry store window, that my job is to “Wait, Wait, Wait.”
It takes strength and courage for us to endure the stress that comes with the darker seasons. But if we wait and follow God’s leading, the light will break through and our perceptions will change. Once again, we will see and enjoy the beautiful colors of life.
Prayer for you: Hold on to the confidence that the dawn of a new day will once again reveal the brilliant colors that you cannot see today.
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