I have been noticing the clouds, and how they reflect the light of the sun.  We use sunny days and blue skies as an analogy for happiness.  But, it is when the sunlight catches the clouds that we can actually see the play of its brightness.  It is clouds that make for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.  Yet, cloudy days are an analogy for sadness.

The cloudy days catch the light of God’s love and goodness in many ways:

In our brokenness of sin, the power of Jesus’ resurrection shines.  The same power that resurrected Jesus to life again can be at work in my life, so I might be free from my sin and experience a changed heart and new life.

In our brokenness of suffering, comfort from Jesus’ presence shines.  He understands because he was a “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).  He is my source of life and hope and joy, and is present in my suffering.

In all the brokenness of death and evil, joyful expectation shines.  This pain won’t last forever.  Jesus triumphed over death and darkness so we can one day be with him in eternity.  The clouds are swept away.

In all our brokenness, our hearts are drawn to cry out, “I need you Jesus,”‘ and “Lord, have mercy!”  We are drawn back into the reality we were created for, to live in relationship and dependence on the loving God who created us.

“… the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.”  ~1 John 2:8

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” 

has shone in our hearts

to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.  

~ 2 Corinthians 4:6

What are your clouds – the brokenness you carry in your life today?  

“The face of Jesus Christ” is very personal and relational.  How might you know Jesus more fully in your brokenness?