Lost In The Glare

I Thessalonians 5:16 -- "Be joyful always."

Image: Kelly Babb Dalton

When at first I read this verse in I Thessalonians I thought that perhaps, it had been misquoted. I had just put a few delicate embellishments on one of the 44 little uplifting Colorful Blessings note cards published by Christian Art Gifts and found myself smiling on the inside. I love these little cards.

On the outside of the box it says: "Colorful messages to bless a heart, soothe the soul, and clam the mind."  Truer words were never spoken. These little things are wonderful. They come in a pretty little box with a matching lid that slides right off and back on. Open it up to reveal delightfully detailed little "blessings" that one may color, paint, or pencil in - whichever method suits one's fancy. The box also says the note cards are to color and share, but so far I've tucked each completed message back into it's delightful little box just as soon as the ink and paint are dry. Adult coloring, I have recently come to re-discover, is very therapeutic.

However, as my eyes glanced at the scripture reference listed just below the quote; I thought that surly, this particular note card had only a paraphrase or a small portion of an entire verse printed in beautiful, fun block letters. Determined to prove just that, I turned my Bible to I Thessalonians and began frantically flipping through chapters until I came across the verse in question. . . .

Image: Kelly Babb Dalton

Holy moly! - it really DOES say "be joyful always." And it's not part of a verse or a portion of a sentiment. The statement encapsulates the entirety of chapter 5 verse 16.

But HOW? How are we to be joyful ALWAYS? As a woman who has suffered from clinical depression her entire life I found this challenge next to impossible! Especially lately. And I freely admit I have qualms with this verse in spite of the gratitude journal I've taken to writing in lately.

[See, the idea is to pen an entry in my gratitude journal every single day - ESPECIALLY on the days that the battle with depression seems to get the better of me. This way I am constantly reminded of the many, many things for which I truly should be grateful.]

And so - this verse popped into my subconscious whilst attempting to alleviate some stress by happily inking a Colorful Blessing with my brand new gel pens and I found myself snickering out loud.

ALWAYS?! Joyful? .... HOW?

Then I remembered something I'd seen while watching History Channel's "The Universe". The woman on the television was talking about how the mechanics behind a complete solar eclipse can help scientists discover new planets. You see, until a planet comes between our lenses and its star we are unable to see it because the planet gets lost in the glare of its brilliant sun. The shadow of the planet allows we humans to see in spite of a sun's intense light. I think if that logic is applicable - then the opposite should be true. Perhaps the brilliance of an amazing light can overcome a dismal shadow. So much, in fact, that the darkness of the shadow can't be seen at all.

I NEED to get lost in the glare. I want the light of Jesus Christ to shine so brightly from me that my own depression can't be found. THERE is my joy! In the brilliant light of my Savior! Fill me completely, dear Jesus - so that I may no longer harbor anything other than your precious and amazing light!

I have been saved by grace un-ending. Boundless and beautiful and brilliant! I DO have reason to be joyful always!