It's that time of year again: winter — the time when I experience the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which I wrote about in a previous devotional: Light And Darkness.

This year, I am trying faithfully to use my light therapy lamp. It's amazing how much better I feel when I do. Its compact design makes it easy to travel with, and it uses advanced technology to produce blue light, like bright daylight, to improve energy levels and mood. Just 20-30 minutes a day is all it takes to fight energy dips, fatigue, and winter blues. It actually has a similar effect on well-being as a sunny, blue-sky day does.

Everyone feels better on a sunny day. It's amazing what a little light can do. Sunlight improves our attitude and makes us feel more optimistic.

Similarly, time spent with our Lord, the light of the world, can energize us and give us the strength that we need to live our lives for Him.

John 8:12 – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (NRSV)

Light is good.

Genesis 1:4 – And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. (NRSV)

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will be motivated to avoid the darkness of this world and walk in the light of His love.

John 12:46 – I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. (NRSV)

Just as my light therapy lamp requires only 20 to 30 minutes a day to improve my energy level, so spending 20 to 30 minutes a day in prayer with Jesus will give us the desire and the strength to walk obediently with Him each day.

We don't have to live in darkness. Let us always keep our eyes on Jesus and live the lives that we have been called to live in Him.

Ephesians 5:8 – For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. (NRSV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are truly thankful for Your Son, Jesus, the light of the world. Help us to spend time in His presence every day so that we can live in His light instead of in the darkness of this world. Thank You for using ordinary people like us to do Your work in the world. Shine Your light in and through us so that we may be a blessing to others and reflect His light into the lives of those around us. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Dee Renaud <dee.renaud@outlook.com>
Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada
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