Encouragement through natural phenomena. By Ellen White

Reading time: 4 minutes

Several years ago, while traveling from Oslo, Norway, to Gothenburg, Sweden, I was fortunate enough to witness the most magnificent sunset I have ever seen. Words cannot adequately describe its beauty: the last rays of the setting sun—silver and gold, violet, yellow, and crimson—cast their splendor across the sky. They grew brighter and brighter, shining higher and higher into the heavens, until it seemed as if the gates of the City of God stood open, and its inner glory shone through them. For two hours, this wondrous radiance illuminated the cold northern sky—a picture painted by the great master artist on the ever-changing canvas of the heavens. It appeared like God's smile upon all earthly homes, upon rocky plains, rugged mountains, and lonely forests through which our journey took us.

The message whispered to me by heaven – and which I have never forgotten.

Angels of grace seemed to whisper, “Look up! This glory is but a glimpse of the light radiating from God’s throne. Do not live only for this world! Look up, and by faith recognize the dwelling places of your heavenly home.” This sight was like the Bow of Promise to Noah. It allowed me to grasp the assurance of God’s unceasing care and to look forward to the haven of rest that awaits every faithful worker. Since then, I have had the impression that God bestowed this expression of love upon us to encourage us. I will never forget this beautiful sight and the comfort and peace it brought.

Why where you look matters

As children of God, it is our privilege to always look upward and to gaze unceasingly upon Jesus with the eyes of faith. As we continually gaze upon Him, the sunshine of His presence floods the chambers of our minds. Jesus' light in the temple of the soul brings peace. The soul rests in God. All confusion and all fears are surrendered to Jesus. By continually gazing upon Him, His image is imprinted on our hearts and manifested in our daily lives.

Why your faith suddenly becomes uncertain

But if, after conversion, we allow worldliness back into our hearts and value it as a welcome guest, then everything changes. Our view of Jesus becomes obscured. Our perception of his purity, goodness, and unparalleled love is clouded. Peace vanishes. Our souls are no longer surrendered to him in simple, complete trust. The entire Christian life appears uncertain.

Look to Jesus – and your life will change.

My dear young friends, always look to Jesus! Only in this way will you never lose sight of God's glory. Jesus is your light, your life, your peace, and your eternal security. By looking to him, you will be transformed from glory to glory—from character to character.

Your inner eye

“If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” “Therefore, see to it that the light within you is not darkness. If your whole body is full of light, with no part in it being dark, it will be completely full of light, as when a lamp shines on you.” (Matthew 6:22-23, Luke 11:35-36). In Him there is no darkness at all.

Touched by Heaven: How Your Thinking Will Be Reborn

When the soul is enlightened by God's Spirit, the whole character is uplifted and mental faculties are expanded. Selfless love manifests in good works for others. Through this attraction, they are invited into the radiant beauty of Jesus' glory.

Aus: The Youth Instructor, 23. October 1902