How many of you watched the eclipse last week? I live in central Indiana and we had a spectacular view from our backyard. How magnificent are the heavens! I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to witness this event. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but as we all stood outside, staring at the sun with our special glasses, deep down, I guess I thought it would get completely dark. But in that moment, that spectacular moment, God again was showing His power and sovereignty.

We live in a world rocked by sin. Everything we see, everything we experience, is affected by the darkness of sin. In that moment of totality, when the moon blocked out the sun, it didn’t get completely dark. The moon was able to temporarily block the brightness of the sun but it’s obstruction was brief. Much like our lives and the way sin has corrupted this world, sin still doesn’t have the power to bring us into complete darkness. God’s power and light will still shine, even if for a while, we have an obstructed view.

 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Romans 5:6-8

I believe God gives us moments like this past week to remind us of His awesome power and majesty. He reminds us that despite the darkness that is temporarily covering us, He is in control and we do not need to fear tomorrow. Is grief or pain covering your life right now in a shadow of darkness? Is depression smothering the light from your life? Are you desperate to see the sun shine again? Let me tell you friend, I have been there! I have been in the depths of despair when I just didn’t think it mattered to anyone if I was even here! I thought my life held no value; that I mattered to no one! But that darkness wasn’t truth and thankfully, I had friends and loved ones who prayed me to the other side. The totality that may seem to consume you at this moment – it cannot block out the light of God’s love! His love, His power, the truth of how far He went to bring you to Himself – even though it may be dark right now…The Son continues to shine!

I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Psalm 34:4-8

The biggest lesson I have learned in the past year is who God truly is. When you can see Him, recognize His true attributes, it is so much easier to trust. God is not some angry old man sitting on a throne, waiting for you to mess up so he can throw down a lightening bolt of punishment. God is light, truth, purity, holiness, peace, power. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe Him. Look at the scriptures – Who did Jesus come to save? The Samaritan woman at the well, the blind, the leper, the demon possessed. Jesus, the author of life, the light of the world – was born into darkness to show us how we could over come the totality of our sin. Everyone is invited. Jesus came to save the lost, not the righteous! There is room for you at the table, no matter what your past holds or even your present. There is no sin that can block out the light of Christ Jesus!

My grandson Hayden, was so excited after witnessing the eclipse. He ran into the house shouting, ‘AWESOME! AWESOME! That was SO AWESOME!” I pray that you too will see the awesomeness of our God, how much He truly cares for you, and how far He went to save you from the totality of sin.