”I
Can See Clearly Now…”
I
Can See Clearly Now is a song written and recorded by
Johnny Nash. It was released in 1972, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot
100 List. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Can_See_Clearly_Now
Most of us remember it for its optimistic lyrics.
“I can see
clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all
obstacles in my way.
Gone are the
dark clouds that had me blind,
It’s gonna be a
bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can
make it now, the pain is gone,
All of the bad
feelings have disappeared.
Here is the
rainbow I’ve been prayin for,
It’s gonna be a
bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Look all around,
there’s nothing but blue skies.
Look straight
ahead, nothing but blue skies.”
For
almost every human being, life is about navigating through three stages. Either
you are “Entering a Storm”; “In a Storm”; or “Exiting a Storm.” The key
is to enjoy the sunshine & the rainbows, particularly before you enter and
as you exit.
However,
the truly enlightened people learn how to find gratitude, peace, & contentment, even in
the midst of life’s storms.
Sometimes,
it takes a “storm”, such as health issues, job loss, divorce, death, auto
accident, etc., to help you wash away guilt & uncertainty; gain clarity of
purpose; & feel grateful & thankful.
I
am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s closing appeal of remaining steadfast &
united to the saints in Jesus Christ in Philippi. In Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV),
he tells them:
To Rejoice:
4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will
say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
To Not be
Stressed:
6
Do not be anxious about anything, but
in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
To be Content:
11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have
learned the secret of being content in
any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want.
To be Confident:
13 I can do all
this through Him who gives me strength.
Personally,
I have been in “a storm” for the past year or so, managing an unexpected &
devastating (to me) health diagnosis. However, through my faith; supportive
family & friends; and an amazing church family; I am beginning to see specks
of the rainbow. The “rain has not totally gone”, the “pain has not
totally gone”, nor have the “blue skies” totally emerged.
Nevertheless,
with my trust in God, I find myself quietly humming:
“It’s gonna be a
bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun-Shiny day…” J
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