When the Sun’s Light Fails
By: Khalilah Shelton
“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”
Luke 23:44-46
I walked under a bright sky once. The day was new and the sun was lending its light, as graciously commanded by its Creator. I accepted the grace not realizing it was a gift and therefore not turning to say “thank You.” I presumed the light would shine on my entire day because, afterall, I had things to do. I went about using the light, enjoying the light, assuming the light would remain. Going about my day, week, life. I noticed the chill that swept in suddenly. Where was the light of the sun with its warmth and comfort? Where had it gone? I waited.
On the days when the sun gave its light, I went about my day praying for the Lord’s blessing, beckoning His sanctification and welcoming His lessons that lead to wisdom, afterall it was a good day and the sun was shining. My prayers were for strength. I also asked for Him to make me more loving and patient. Make me more like Him. I asked for more peace and more joy. I thought I was seeking the right things. I thought I was on the right path, that is until the sun’s light stopped shining. I couldn't see it anymore and for some reason the darkness made no sense. I didn't understand why so many senseless things began to come my way. I couldn't see how these anxieties and senseless annoyances always tracked me down. Why was everyone so difficult to love? I felt no peace. I felt so weak, so frail. I needed something in this darkness. A better day, brighter situations, I needed the sun!
Finally pausing from my flailing and grasping, I remembered His words, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit!” In His darkest hour is when He did the greatest work. When the sun’s light failed, Jesus Christ rescued mankind with His very life, taking on the full wrath of God for the sin of man. He bridged the gap that I helped wedge. He was beginning the process of making all things new. The sun’s light failed for the first time since creation... and for the last time.
I needed someone in my darkness! I needed the Son! He not only gave me access to the wisdom I sought, but the circumstances I needed to recognize it. The anxieties and annoyances were turned into tools in the Father’s hand so I could hear Him gently say “be anxious for nothing” (Phil 4:6). He graciously granted opportunities for me to be patient and loving. In my weakness His strength was made perfect (2 Cor 12:9) and He gave me peace that surpassed all understanding (Phil 4:7). So now I see that when the days are dark, it wasn't that the sun’s light failed, but that He makes me less satisfied with the gifts so that I can see the Gift Giver instead (James 1:17). He died on the cross. He endured the worst darkness so that we never would have to. Because of that day when the sun’s light failed, I too can say, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”
“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
Psalm 31:3-5
Who are you looking for in your darkness, the sun or the Son?
