You are my Sunshine
Hello friends, I am so honored to be featured here on the Inspiring Honey page. My name is Hannah, I am the owner of a small online ministry called Passion to Proclaim. Passion to Proclaim is where I share what the Lord has placed upon my heart with others. Writing is one of my deepest passions, so I am blessed to share the Lord’s beauty in that way. Thank you, Gabrielle, for having me as a guest
You Are My Sunshine
Gray clouds, gusting winds, great doubts–there is a storm ahead. Storms are extremely powerful and intimidating; they cause us to draw up in fear. Even the disciples of Jesus Christ were frozen with fear in the storm.
Matthew 8:24-27 says, “And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
When I was a young girl, tornado sirens would broadcast over our small town. In those moments, my Mother and I would gather under the staircase in our tiny hallway closet. That was our “safe place” in the storm. To be completely honest, I always liked hiding in that little closet. It felt as though time stood still. Our hearts were beating in rhythm, a little anxious. My mother would always say, “Our house has been standing for the past 120 years (we had one of the eldest houses in town) it isn’t going anywhere tonight, sweetie.” That nugget of reassurance blessed me with immense faith during the storm. I knew our foundation was strong, so I remained calm.
As years went by I experienced storms of my own. I tried to remain calm in the shadows of the valley. I tried to be strong through the overwhelming, heavy rain. I tried to find hope, but somehow I allowed the fog to cloud my vision. I did not know where my “safe place” in the storm was? At this point, we are no longer talking about storms literally but metaphorically. One hardship after the next left a gray overcast on my heart.
I remember thinking to myself, “ Why me? Why now? What have I done?” I was angry because of the continual suffering I was having to endure. I focused so much on my dreary circumstances, that I completely forgot what sunshine felt like. I genuinely thought I was destined for a gloomy life. Every now and then a glimpse of the sunshine would peak through the clouds but it never lasted very long. I was desperate, I was hurting, I felt betrayed by God. Never before had my heart felt so broken. And then I remembered a sweet melody, “You are my sunshine.” I was reminded of my safe place. With confidence, I knew where I was meant to come and dwell in and out of the storm. My sunshine was calling me home. My cloudy vision was made clear. My fear was overcome. My anxiety ceased in His midst.
Habakkuk 3:4, “His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand,
And there is the hiding of His power.”
The source of light made a path for me, a wretched sinner who was carrying a lot of emotional baggage. God made a way. Just like that, God whispered this reassuring nugget over me in the storm and I found my faith. To be completely honest, I think the storm better prepared me for the beauty of the rainbow afterward. I realized that God did not abandon me in my suffering, rather He sent Christ to bear my suffering for me. God was with me in my troubles. He led me to take a pause, to stop worrying about the rainfall, but to dance in the rain. When trials arise our joy does not vanish. Joy illuminates from the very being of Jesus. Therefore, we have eternal access to joy. How beautiful is that?
If you are feeling overwhelmed or trapped in the storm, take a brief pause. Remember the source of light. Focus on what brings light to your life, pursue that. Just because you are enduring suffering does not mean we must let it overrule us. Allow the sunshine to beam upon your skin, soak up its warmth. Remain consistent in prayer. Dwell under God’s mighty wings of refuge. You are His sunshine, just as He is yours.
Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Prayer:
Lord, God of eternal Light, I pray that you bless those who are trudging through the trials of this earthly life. I ask that you bless those who are struggling to see the light with guidance and clear direction. Lord, I pray you would clear their vision, uplight the fog, cease the rain, and let Your sunshine upon them. Reveal to them Your endless glory and power. Fixate their minds upon You and Your steadfastness. Father, remind them of what a treasure it is to walk in the joy of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
