“His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden.” (Habakkuk 3:4)

In our east Tennessee mountains, the solar eclipse this week was a wash…literally.

Our skies were completely enveloped by dripping rainclouds, without a single opening to reveal God’s amazing planetary phenomenon. I had my eclipse-viewing glasses all ready (had saved them seven years since the last big eclipse), but no clearing, not even any options nearby for driving beyond the cloud cover. Rats. Missed the whole thing.

We all have moments like this. We’ve anticipated a special event, but nothing happens. We’re waiting for God to show up with His cavalry to help us out of a bind, but He doesn’t appear. We can’t see beyond the clouds.

I was reminded during the eclipse, however, of times when His presence is revealed unexpectedly. Have you ever heard of Jesus rays?

I started my writing career as a copywriter at an advertising agency, working on the top floor of the stately Commerce Title building in downtown Memphis. While waiting one day for a late afternoon meeting to begin, I stared out the boardroom windows with the agency’s creative director, a winsome guy named Sanford. We both gazed at clouds over the Mississippi River, and Sanford said, “Look at all those Jesus rays.”

“What?” I was little surprised. Sanford wasn’t a particularly religious fellow. 

“You know,” he responded, “those rays of sunshine coming through the clouds—like the ones in all those old church paintings of Jesus where He’s praying.”

Hmm! I’d never made the connection between Jesus and the sunbeams pouring through clouds in the artistry of His prayer time with His Father. Sanford gave me a new perspective on the imagery.

In the years since that conversation, I think of Sanford and his observation whenever I see light pouring through the clouds—little gaps in the gloom that speak of a light higher than we can see.

The Light of the World does show up in our lives, oftentimes in our darkest moments. His sweetness, illumination, and beauty filter through the clouds to give us a glimpse of His glory beyond our sight. He is above any sadness, anguish, or anxiety that limits our eyesight. 

Sunbeams are His reminders that He is still in command of our world and our individual situations. When you encounter those brief moments of dazzling sunshine, ask Jesus to give you peace about how He is working out all things for your good, even when you can’t see it. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and implant His love and joy in your heart. Stop and pray to His Father as He did, asking for His will to be done. 

Next time a problem eclipses His light from entering your heart, look for the “Jesus rays” around you. His presence can never be completely hidden. He will enter even the darkest dungeons of your soul, to free you from bondage, with His shining light of love and grace. 

Lord Jesus, Light of the World, remind me that You are always present with me. Open my eyes to Your truth, Your goodness, and Your faithfulness when I am prone to trudge below the clouds. Brighten the path before me through Your word, and lead me to serve You with greater clarity and purpose. In Your name, Amen. 

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at http://lightbournecreative.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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