Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: August 13th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ecclesiastes 11:7-9

Do you need permission to enjoy life? Then Solomon gives it to you in these verses. I love the Moffatt translation of verse 7, which reads thus: "Sweet is the light of life and pleasant is it for the eyes to see the sun." While Solomon is clearly talking about natural light, these words are also symbolic. God is often spoken of in terms of light. "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1) is just one example. The light of God's love is ever present, and it is good for us to focus on it as often as we can. The joy of living, Solomon continues, ought to permeate every period of our lives, right up to old age. "If a man lives many years, let him have joy throughout them all" (v. 8, Moffatt). This is not to ignore the fact, of course, that many have had some pretty rough experiences in life but with good Christian counseling these can be overcome. Indeed, Solomon recommends remembering the days of darkness, for when you experience the light and love of God you can look back at painful events without the loss of your soul. You are pained by the memories of them, but not overwhelmed. In fact, the dark days throw into even greater relief the brightness of the joy that comes from God. The main theme of these two verses really is this - enjoy life now, not later. Don't miss enjoying life with God in the here and now also. Whatever your age, remember it's great just to be alive. Enjoy it!

O Father, I am thankful that whatever age I am, You lift the gloom and take the stinging pain of depression out of life. Help me focus more on the warmth and light of Your love than on the darkness of circumstances. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.