April was a dreary month which held more rainy days than not. Two days ago, the sun appeared one morning in all of its beauty and I found myself humming an old Beatles song:

“Here comes the sun (doo doo doo doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right.”

I quickly stepped outside to snap a photo of the sun coming up over the trees, its rays gloriously spreading out in every direction, a feast for my eyes and on my skin.

Stepping back inside, I opened a book which I am now making my way through for the third time. It’s an ancient book, first written about 1418-1427, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The old English was both thought provoking and a balm for the soul, as I read:

“Blessed be Thou, O my God, because though I be unworthy of all Thy benefits, They bountiful and infinite goodness never ceaseth to do good even to ingrates and to those who are turned far from Thee. Turn Thou us unto Thyself, that we may be grateful, humble, and godly, for Thou art our salvation, our courage, and our strength.”

(“The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas A. Kempis, Book Three, Chapter 8)

We must not forget all the many benefits (aka, blessings) the Lord bestows on our lives, even when we are unaware, even when we are unworthy, and even when we do not express our gratitude.

Stepping back out on the deck, the sun had now moved higher up into the sky, its rays expanding like a canopy now, and the verse gently came to mind:

“For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.” (Psalm 84:11-12, NLT)

Our God is as a sun, shining down with grace on us, brightening even the dark and gloomy days. He is truth and His Word is light which dispels the darkness and illuminates the path we should go. Even the natural light, which God Himself created for us to enjoy, cannot compare with the light He brings into our lives and situations.

“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” (Isaiah 60:19, NLT)

Our God is a shield, surrounding and protecting us from the assaults this world would bring against our souls.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4, NIV)

Our God gives good gifts to His people. He does not withhold good.

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:16-17, NIV)

It is the lie the enemy of our souls has used since the beginning. He wants us to believe our God is withholding good from us. May we not be deceived as Eve was but cling to the truth He gives good gifts. We will not lack:

“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10, NLT)

Today was a good day to be reminded:

Here comes the Son,
And here comes the Son, and I say,
It’s all right.

Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement and Destination Inspiration and Tune In Thursday .