The Moonlight Is Not Mine
No Words Can Capture, Nor Limit The Power Of God
by Eric Elkin
Nothing is more calming and beautiful than a full moon casting shadows on the snow. Midnight darkness is not really darkness when the glow of moonbeams reflects off the snow. Still, the light is not the same as the midday sun. The glow of a full moon is soft, and its light does not hurt your eyes when you look at it.
Even the smallest branches of a tree seem to cast a shadow in the snow when lit by the softness of a full moon’s light. The snow looks like someone took a charcoal pencil to a white canvas and started to draw the hidden connectedness of the woods. But the thing I like most is how looking out the window on this winter scene calms my soul. There is no sound, yet, its power reaches deep within my being.
I wonder how many people never take time to gaze upon this scene. How many households are blinded from seeing it because street lights mask the moon? How many souls are too busy to sit and simply drink in the peace of the moment. Yet, then I wonder, can we completely shut it out?
It turns out research suggests a full moon is not as peaceful as the scene I see outside my window. A full moon has the power to influence tidal activity in the ocean. It also can stress internal organs and make it harder to fall asleep. Many people in the service industry swear that a full moon makes people act strange. Perhaps, the Creator calls us to pay attention to powers beyond our control.
The light of the full moon casting shadows on the snow also weaves a feeling of expectation into my heart. If the moon is shining on the snow, there are no clouds. The approaching sunrise means I will see the sun. Sunlight is not a calming experience for me. Quite the opposite, if the sky is clear during the day, my soul will be filled with joy.
Sunlight is equally powerful on the human body and mind, as is a full moon. The difference is the sun has an overwhelmingly positive impact. Research shows our exposure to sunlight is critical for experiencing joy. It helps people overcome sadness, hopelessness, and sedentary behavior. Sunlight can help us digest food properly and fight diseases.
All of these thoughts were flowing through my mind this morning as I looked out my window after reading Psalm 19. The words seemed to lift off the pages. There’s no speech, no words—their voices can’t be heard— but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. The moonlight filling my yard is not mine, and its power reaches the ends of the earth.
Psalm 19 is an invitation. Perhaps we need to set aside the disturbing news of the day — fear of a virus, global destruction, war, and hatred and breathe in the presence of God in a broken world. God’s power is greater than we can conceive, and the natural world reveals the truth of that statement. Then, when we engage in peace-making, we will feel more equipped for the work.
Click to read Psalm 19
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you took time to gaze upon moon shadows?
What can we learn from the powers of the sun and moon?
How can surrendering to a greater power actually make you stronger?
How is God inviting your soul to find peace?