The Sun Still Shines

Pitter, patter, splat, splatter! It’s raining today. You look out of the window at the wet, muddy yard and the gray sky. I wish the sun was shining, you say with a sigh.

Don’t look so glum! The sun is shining!

Where? you ask. I don’t see any sunshine.

Do you see the tree in the yard and the car driving by? Yes. Are we warm in our house? You nod your head slowly.

So you see, the sun is still shining! It gives us light and warmth, even though some dark clouds cover the sky right now. Aren’t you glad that the clouds don’t stop the sun from shining? If they could, this world would become a frozen ball of ice and it would be always dark!

Evening comes and the wind rattles the windows. Suddenly the lights flicker and go out. No electricity tonight! We light a lamp, but the room is still dark.

Scritch! Squeak, scratch! What was that? you ask, with a jump.

Probably a tree branch scraping on the porch roof. But why are you afraid? It is cozy and warm in here. We are safe from the storm.

I don’t like the night, you say, coming close. It is so dark and I can’t see anything! I’m not afraid when it is light.

And you’re happy when it is sunny and everything is easy and fun, too. But guess what? Even though it is dark and stormy tonight, the sun is still shining.

On the other side of the world? you ask.

That’s right. Imagine! We can sit here in the dark and know that someone on the other side of the world is sitting in the sunshine. Even the night can’t keep the sun from shining. Soon morning will come and the sun will shine on us again.

Even if it’s raining, you say, and snuggle close.

Yes, whether it’s raining or snowing, warm or cold, light or dark, the sun still shines. It makes me feel happy and safe, too. But there is still something more wonderful than the sun that never stops. Do you know what I’m thinking of?

God? you ask.

Yes, God and His goodness. His love and kindness never end. Even if we don’t feel it for awhile. Even when we’re all alone. God wants us to believe in His love and power, no matter what. We don’t have to live by how we feel, just like you don’t have to be gloomy when it is rainy.

Or scared when it’s dark?

That’s right. If you can believe that the sun is shining right now, you can believe that God loves you right now. And do you know what that makes me think?

What? you ask.

Well, if Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,”* (Hebrews 13:5) He is right here with us. We don’t have to feel Him or see Him to believe that. So let’s live to please Him always, no matter what!