Living in Interior Alaska gives those of us crazy enough to call the subarctic terrain home many lessons on the character of God. I was recently reminded of such while chatting with a friend. I told her how excited I was to see the sunbeams peeking over the treetops. While we don’t have as much dark in Tok as the folks up in Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow), if you aren’t at the crossroads between a certain time of day during November and December, you won’t be seeing the sun. Daylight, yes, but the actual sun barely rises above the horizon during these two months.
My friend chuckled. “The sun always rises, even if it takes a few months.”
That little statement said in jest got me to thinking about how our lives can sometimes look like an Alaskan winter … dark. Sometimes our struggles and circumstances can seem never-ending, like we may be stuck in them forever. It’s important to remember, the Son always rises.
Yet, it’s deeper than that. The longer I pondered, the more I realized just how much I could learn from the dark days of winter. The thing is, the sun doesn’t shine on us living up here at the top of the world until the Earth tilts back towards it. The sun doesn’t move. It stays constant, unwavering in its providing for the earth. It’s the earth that tilts away.
God is always constant, never-wavering, “the same yesterday and today and forever.” All we have to do is tip our focus to Him. He’s there, waiting to shine upon us.
I pray you tilt your face to the Lord in trust. He promises He will not fail to rise.
Guest blog post by Sara Blackard
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outstanding.
So well said …
The Son always rises. I LOVE THIS!!!! It is an amazing illustration that God is always there!
Thank you, Amy. God is good, that’s for sure!
Thank you, Mary. Alaska definitely has a beauty that is unique. I’m so glad that even though we shift away, He’s always there when we turn back.
Thank you, Kathy.
Yep, Dave., even in Alaska. Or more appropriately, especially in Alaska. The long dark days give us a lot of opportunities to reflect on God’s light.
Patti, If you’re driving up or traveling to Tok, I’d love to meet up for lunch or something! You’ll love it here!
Thank you, Gwendolyn. Summer months are beautiful in Alaska, but the winter holds its own beauty!
🙂
Thank you, Jessica, for commenting! Isn’t it amazing how God will put things in front of us just when we need it?
Thank you! God is so good!
Wow. That was an amazing reminder of my life and GOD. Thanks.
I needed to read this today, thanks for sharing your ❤️
Right on! Yes?
Lovely reminder about God’s steadfastness. I have heard that about Alaska, and I’ve always wanted to visit. In the summer months, of course. 😉
Hemingway told us the sun also rises.
Your friend says it always rises.
And you tell us even in Alaska.
Thank you!
What a wonderful message, Sara! I’m going to Alaska in June. Can’t wait! I’ve wanted to see that gorgeous state all my life.
Lovely.:)
It’s hard for me to imagine living without the sun, but it sounds indescribably beautiful. Love your analogy of the sun and the Son. Yes, we are the ones who shift away. Thank you for sharing.
What an excellent reminder of God’s unchanging goodness!