Have you ever embarked on a plane trip when it’s a grey, cloudy day? I distinctly remember two such occasions. The first was over 36 years ago when I flew home for the funeral for my two teenage brothers and a teenage cousin. The second was when my father died about 26 years ago. I wondered how the pilot could even see through the dark clouds to take off. But, on both occasions, after ascending through the bank of black clouds the plane broke through into the bright sunlight. Life is like that, isn’t it? Even those who live in the Sunshine State (Florida) have their share of cloudy days of adversity, days when dark clouds blow across the soul, obscuring the sun. But I have good news – the Son-light of God’s love is still shining. We just need to go above the clouds. Regardless of the days of grey dismal clouds that may surround you, God wants you to know something – His love for you will never be more nor less than it is today. The Son is still shining. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. (John 1) It doesn’t matter what you are going through or what you have done, you can rise above the clouds to where the Son is always shining.

I would like to draw your attention to the Word of God written by the apostles John and Jude. “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all . . . But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light we have fellowship with each other and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:5-7, 9 NLT). Dark clouds may roll in, but we can rise above the clouds when we are in fellowship with God through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. By walking in the light of God’s Word you can come into the Son light of His presence.

There is an old song that used to be sung, “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey.” Many think of a love one as their sunshine. But as much as a spouse or friend may bring sunshine into your life, they are only human and have their down moments or will someday be gone. When I hear that song I know that my only sunshine, who will always shine, is Jesus.

Listen to what Jude tells us, “I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ” (Jude 1). Jude tells us how to live in the sunshine. “Keep yourself in the love of God” (Jude 21). Live constantly in the warmth and light of God’s presence. Jude gives three ways to do so.

First – BUILDING. “Build each other up in your most holy faith” (Jude 20). When you edify and encourage others in the faith you are also built up in the faith. You take the focus off your problems and point others to the promises of God. Second – “PRAYING in the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit will help you pray and break through the clouds. (Romans 8:26; I Peter 5:7) Praying in the Spirit’s power will lift you into the sunshine of His love. (Isaiah 40:29-31) Third – LOOKING for the coming of the Lord. (Jude 21) Believers have the blessed hope of the Lord’s promised coming. (John 14) We will live with Him forever. Time on this earth is short but eternity is sure. Jesus is coming for those who are ready and looking for His return. (Revelation 21:1-7)

Let’s live in the sunshine state of God’s love and presence. Has the darkness of sin or unbelief clouded your view? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).