“In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.” Psalm 19:4-6

Weak?

One day on my drive in to work, I faced into what I call a “weak sun.” I didn’t even need my sunglasses. It was bravely fighting against the thin clouds, but it wasn’t quite shining all the way through. I began to have a Weak Sun Pity Party; I like bright, sunny days when I can eat my lunch outside my office, water plants when I get home, and feel the warmth on my back. In the words of a friend of mine, “I am a lizard.”

Of course, this begs the question: Is the sun really weak? Or is it merely obscured for the moment?

We know the sun blazes bright and hot at all times. This basic “character” of the sun is always present. The clouds do not change the sun’s nature. They do not cool it off. They do not make it ineffective as a light- and heat-producer. The clouds just make it seem weak.

You probably see the spiritual analogy. The Son of God is great in might and power and glory. He shines His face on us, and nothing can take away His glory. “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

This same God shines His light in our hearts so we can receive the light that comes with knowing Him. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who 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).

But I’ve found that His brightness can be obscured for a time. Circumstances occasionally prevent me from seeing His strength. My own attitude puts up a shade screen between us. Depression darkens the day. Gloomy thoughts push back the light He so persistently radiates.

Is He ever weak? No. Doesn’t He shine just as brightly behind what seems to obscure Him? Yes. His face is blazing forth His glory every moment. This fact never changes.

And it never will change. At the very end of the age, it will still be true. “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light” (Revelation 21:23).

Father of Lights, let Your glory shine on us. We declare Your strength, power, and might at all times, no matter what in our lives seems to obscure You. Open our eyes, Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.