I have three favorite kinds of light: morning light, warm glow, and the golden hour. That has to be one of the dorkiest things I've ever said, but I don't care.
Morning light is that cool, natural sunlight that streams into your windows at the beginning of a clear spring day. It's a light breeze making the curtains flutter ever so slightly, and the sound birds chirping outside. It's the first sip of coffee curled up on the couch on a Saturday morning. It's the kind of light that makes our dog all squinty-eyed as he emerges from the dark coziness of our bedroom, stretching sleepily.
Warm glow is exactly what it sounds like. Think of a string of warm white lights on a Christmas tree, or lining a covered backyard patio. It's the kind of light that gives the dark of the evening a cozy radiance. It's the flicker of a candle burning on your coffee table, or fireflies dancing in the woods. It's the warmth of a fire pit surrounded by a few good friends and late-night conversations. It's lying on your back gazing up at the stars, trying to outline every constellation or even making up your own. It calls to mind cozy nights at home, or festive gatherings in a friend's back yard.
Then there's the golden hour, which I think is a beautiful in-between of the other two. It's that brief hour in the early evening, as the sun dips lower, that casts a golden glow on everything around it. Photographers love this light especially - it's natural, warm, and flattering for just about any subject. It's a light you can turn toward without having to squint too much. It's picnics in the park and staying late at the beach. It's the prologue to a gorgeous sunset painted across the horizon. It's looking up while you're out running to see the sun's last few rays peaking through the trees, casting long shadows on the pavement, steadying your breath, renewing your pace.
The right light makes me exhale and relax again. It helps me steady my pace and settle into my surroundings better. It's a reminder to rest, to reflect, and lean into where I am. It's no coincidence that God's Word is often compared to light in scripture. His word is called a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105). Jesus, the Word incarnate, called himself the light of the world, the light of life (John 8:12). His Word as our light is found all over the Bible.
The more I get to know His voice and get familiar with what scripture says, I find He is a lot like my favorite kinds of light. Morning light is like the Psalms...songs for a new day, illuminating the rooms of my heart after the dark of night with poems and passages that feel like deep breathing for my soul. Warm twinkly lights are like the pieces of scripture that stuck with me over time, like strings of little reminders...verses like John 1:5 (The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it) or 2 Corinthians 4:6 (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). The golden hour is like all of God's promises to us found in scripture. Each one reveals something, either a hint of what's to come, or an assurance for right now, or a reminder of what He has already done. God gives clarity and follow-through on His promises. They're plain as day, and sealed with an oath from a God who never changes (Hebrews 6:17-18).
And these are just to name a few...His character is incredibly intricate and nuanced. His power and majesty are like thunder and lightening. His provision and soul-nourishment are like vitamin D from the sun itself. His promises are like the tiniest light at the end of a long tunnel. And his commands are that lamp for our feet, guiding each step, even when we can't see all the way down the path. He is all this and immeasurably more.
Whatever angle we look at God's Word, it becomes a source of rest for our souls. A reminder to exhale whatever lays heavy on our hearts and inhale His truth again. To sit with it for awhile. To be still in His presence. Next time you see the morning light filtering in through the curtains, grab a cup of coffee and open up to the Psalms. When you find yourself around a fire, or see a string of lights at a party or a restaurant, remember the verses that God has pressed into your heart, and why they left such an imprint on you. When you find yourself outdoors basking in the glow of the golden hour, turn your face toward the sinking sun, and remember that all of God's promises are YES and AMEN.
Breathe in His word today and let it bring you soul-rest. In the words of songwriter Cody Carnes, "Open up the windows. Let the light in."
For God's glory,
Kayla
Follow me on Instagram! @themessycoffeetable
Good perspective in dark times.
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