Light. What exactly is it? The answer depends on who you ask.
Physicists, artists, climatologists, biologists, botanists, and anyone with the ability to see has their own understanding of the role of light in life itself.
Light is explained by quantum electrodynamics (huh?). Light gives us the ability to visually appreciate the beautiful colors and details in the world around us. Light affects the temperature and weather patterns around the world. Light determines when creatures change coats from winter to summer. Light is used by plants for food.
The oceanographer and the astronomer understand light from very different viewpoints. We can’t say one is wrong and the other right, for they both bring truth to the table!
How we understand is determined a great deal by how and from what starting point we explore a topic.
The same is true of our view of God.
God. Who exactly is He?
I’ve used this verse a few times in my Light segment already, but here’s a refresher:
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.
1 John 1:5 NLT
I wrote in a previous post about how understanding God takes a lifetime. Since our lifetimes are very dissimilar based on nationality, economic station, life experience, and family dynamics (and more!), each person grows to understand God through a different progression.
Each stage of understanding brings a new perspective of God, while that view may be old news to others.
I may define God as my provider and sustainer, while someone else defines him as healer and deliverer. Neither is wrong, for both are true!
On our recent trip to Israel, we visited En Gedi (one area where David hid from Saul). Standing by a waterfall, members our team were asked to share a meaningful verse from Psalms. Each verse shared gave us a peek into how that person views God.
Shepherd. Healer. Protector. Sustainer. Refuge. Provider. Guide. Almighty.
All personal perspectives, and all bibically sound. None more true nor more valuable than any other.
Now it’s your turn!
Who is God?
I have a challenge for you: ask another believer how they would define God, and share your own view as well. Listen for understanding. There’s no need for criticism or condescension, for we’re all on a journey of discovery!
I am writing through the days of Creation this year, giving two months to each Day of Creation. I’m writing about some facet or other of light through the months of January and February.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts today. Since it’s February and American Heart Month, here’s a free printable to help you practice heart healthy habits!
Lauri Hawley 
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