December 4

The Solar Look

Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. — Ps 97:11 BSB

Writing of Emerson, Margaret Fuller says in her diary, “Emerson has been here this morning with a sunbeam in his face.” It is also said of Daniel Rowlands, the famous Welsh preacher, that when he preached, there was a “solar look” on his face. Like Moses, he was unaware that his face shone. Is this not what Jesus meant when He told His disciples to anoint their heads and wash their faces so that they might not appear to be fasting? We have no right to walk around looking sad and dour, as though our faith brings only heaviness and sorrow. “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.”

Of course, there are dark times in life—times when we must endure hardships. Each heart has its share of pain, each home its grief, and every year its seasons of loss. Who hasn’t known the emptiness of a missing loved one and the quiet of a silenced voice? But these feelings should be reserved for our private moments with God. In our quiet times of prayer, we can pour out our hearts to Him, sharing our sorrows, cares, and fears. Once we’ve rolled our burdens onto God, however, we must leave them there, just as Hannah did when her countenance was no longer sad (1 Samuel 1:18).

But light must be sown! No farmer expects a harvest without first preparing the soil. Those who reject the peace offered by Jesus, purchased with His blood and sealed by His resurrection, cannot experience the wellspring of joy that lights up our faces and makes every action beautiful. It is only when we accept the reconciliation Christ offers that we can rejoice in God. Only when we are justified by faith can we experience peace that passes all understanding. When we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and His light will shine on our faces, transforming our lives. “The redeemed of the Lord shall come with singing unto Zion. They shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Prayer

You have given me gladness, Lord; help me to share that gladness with others, passing on to them the comfort You have given me. At whatever cost, may I join in Your redemptive work and ministry. Amen.