Have You Ever Been Eclipsed?
They say life is what happens when you’re making other plans. I’ve found that to be true, as I’m sure you have. It seems every time I plan to do or attend something, it gets eclipsed.
I’ve been eclipsed a lot in the last few months by life events which blocked my plans and darkened my view – my father’s passing (after several years of dementia), my 91-year old mother came to live with me (along with her crazy dog), and my husband’s open heart surgery (with complications) to name a few. It’s kind of seemed like the clouds that blocked the moon that blocked the sun.
Perhaps that’s why James warned, Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ James 4:13-15 NIV
I guess we should plan for interruptions like people planned for the recent eclipse.
But we can be encouraged that an eclipse is temporary and so are life’s eclipses. James’ caution is that plans can change at any moment. The eclipse that has had my head spinning like the sun and impeded my vision will pass. The sun really will come out again tomorrow. This, too, shall pass, just as that dark moon did not hide the bright sun forever.
Man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Clouds often block the sun. But that doesn’t mean the sun (or the Son) isn’t still shining. That’s why Jesus said, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Where is our hope? Where is our peace? If we are in Him, then we will have the peace He’s talking about. Though we might be a bit dizzy, we won’t be shaken.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we areperplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Troubles will come, but Jesus is still Lord over it all. We can trust Him. He won’t allow anything that isn’t meant for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
It’s not a roadblock, it’s a detour.
It’s not all-out blackout, it’s just an eclipse.
Dark times come and dark times go. This is life.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.1 Peter 4:12
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen [the clouds or eclipse], but on what is unseen [the ‘Son’ that still shines], since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
Oh yes, the sun was unseen during the eclipse, but only for a short time. Let’s keep our mind on what is enduring.
Because for those of us who believe, even death is swallowed up in victory! (2 Corinthians 15:54).
What has eclipsed you lately? Has something blocked your view of the “Son?”
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I pray it has blessed you. I would love to hear from you in the comments here or on social media. And please sign up to receive an email when I post by clicking follow. Blessings on you!