by Pastor Ken Floyd
As I write this column, the news media is focused on the polar vortex that dominated the country in mid-January while also providing their commentary regarding the warmer than normal weather patterns of the current winter season. Debates on the topic of climate change are commonplace these days. And while this has indeed been an unusual weather season, one characteristic common to every northern Ohio winter remains – gray, cloudy skies. That is why although February is the shortest of all months – even with an extra leap day this year – it seems to linger longer than any other. It is this time of year, more than others, that we all long for the hope of what will come.
The continuing pall of longer nights and shorter days helps to explain why a major highlight of February focuses upon the small village of Punxatawny, Pennsylvania, and a groundhog named “Phil.” Actually, the focus isn’t as much on Phil as it is on his shadow. The legend states that if the groundhog emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow, further days of inclement weather lie ahead. Consequently, this celebrity groundhog will retreat inside to hibernate for six more weeks of winter. If it is overcast and there is no shadow cast, moderate weather is ahead. The groundhog will supposedly remain above ground because spring is near!
Groundhogs are not the only ones to experience the effects and consequences of a shadowy wintertime. Doctors have diagnosed a phenomenon called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD). The cause of this disorder is the result of light deprivation. SAD primarily occurs in the winter season when days are short and sunlight is minimal.
Interestingly, the medical community notes that a side effect of SAD is a craving for carbohydrates, which may be why most New Year’s dieting resolutions fail long before Groundhog Day! Doctors observe that individuals who feel better on weekends or during vacations may want to consider that the lack of bright light at work is the primary cause of their SAD condition. The preferred treatment for SAD is to get extra sunlight or to use a specialized “lightbox” for 30 to 60 minutes in the morning and possibly in the evening.
Sunlight on the skin causes the body to make vitamin D. Bright light also influences the production of certain hormones. Those with extreme symptoms of SAD have even been given doctor’s orders to spend a few weeks in a sunny climate. Interestingly, a church member in a former pastorate received this recommendation. Now that’s a prescription we would all like at this time of the year!
However, the purpose of this column is not to provide medical advice. We recognize that for some people, gloomy days have nothing to do with the current weather or lack of sunlight. Instead, the gloominess of their lives results from dealing with the challenges associated with spiritual, emotional, or physical affliction. These difficulties produce persistent and, many times, overwhelming shadows. It’s hard for many people in this type of situation to overcome such significant darkness. Their perspective is like a vast inner black hole that doesn’t allow any light or hope to shine through.
How do we anticipate and respond to lingering shadows and depressing darkness? First, in our dreary moments and bouts of sunless depression, we need to remember that the SON of God has not abandoned us. God hasn’t gone anywhere. In fact, in many cases, we face darkness because we have our eyes tightly shut to the presence of God around us.
When we allow God’s Spirit to open our spiritual eyes, we discover that even the smallest flicker of light will dispel the darkness. I have often referred to Psalm 139 in times of personal difficulty or when encouraging others. This wonderful Psalm focuses upon the great attributes of God and how His constant presence (the theological term is “omnipresence”) impacts our lives.
While rehearsing what it means to be influenced by God in every place and every situation, the Psalmist shares this encouragement in Psalm 139:11 – “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light will be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” What a great encouragement for us to embrace when we walk through dark times!
In an earlier and highly familiar Psalm, we are reminded by the Psalmist David, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Interestingly, David observes in yet another Psalm that our omnipresent God casts a greater shadow than the shadows of earthly sorrows: “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Psalm 57:1)
We all experience shadowy days from time-to-time, some of us worse than others. When we do, we need to learn from the example of seasonal change. The secret is not to give up or seek to run away from the shadows but to WAIT. Specifically, apply the encouragement shared by Isaiah the prophet during a very dark and gloomy spiritual season:
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31
I have found in my own walk with God that shadowy days require me to spend extra time focusing upon God and His greatness. Abiding in Christ and “gazing upon the beauty the LORD” (Psalm 27:4) rightly aligns my perspective and allows His radiant light to overwhelm the dark shadows of my own understanding.
It may take a while, but the days WILL start getting brighter. At this very moment, while you are reading this article, people in other parts of the world are frolicking in summer. And others have elevated above the clouds during air flight and can vouch for the sun’s existence in the cloud bank. Weather conditions may obscure our view, but the sun has not abandoned us. It is located where it has always been.
Whatever shadows exist in your current situation, remember that when you are walking with Christ, the darkness won’t be permanent. And the shadows that are cast from your life as a result of dwelling in Christ’s light will bring Him glory while also serving as a powerful testimony to those who observe His work in and through you.
The priest Zechariah’s stunning announcement of Jesus’ birth from his previously muted mouth included this stated purpose for Christ’s coming – “To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79) Jesus would subsequently declare, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Over a half-century ago, Bible college president and author Victor Raymond Edman wisely observed, “Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.” So, take your disappointments and discouragement to God. He will expose light in your darkness and begin to heal you with the settled hope and peace that only He can provide.
You have His Word on it! (KEF)