The Northern Lights of Our Lives

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth . . .” - Proverbs 3:19, NRSV

The northern lights have been putting on quite the show in 2024. In the last few years, I have traveled to Alaska and Norway. Yet, I saw the northern lights for the first time from the 45th parallel in rural Oregon this year. I was completely surprised and in awe! It was a rare event to see the lights that far south. And while it is easy to simply turn to the science behind why these lights appear, I think they are also a gift from God.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there is a scientific process behind why these lights appear. A geomagnetic storm of some sorts (I am a theologian, not a scientist, so please forgive my lack of knowledge about geomagnetic activity!). Faith and science are compatible. God wants us to pursue more knowledge about the universe through science. And science does explain why these lights appear. However, who is the One who established these laws of science in the first place?

I like to think that our good God, in His creation of the world, knew that these lights would appear according to the laws of nature that He set forth in the beginning. He knew that many people would search for just a glimpse of these elusive lights and be delighted when they appeared. They are a great treat to see. Whether you live in the northern latitude and see them all the time or further south and have barely seen them at all, the northern lights are special.

Searching for the northern lights reminds me also of the search for meaning in this life. Why am I here? What was I made for? What brings me happiness? We search and search for that glimmer of understanding and answers, just as thousands search and search for the glimmer of the northern lights.

Our meaning should ultimately come from God, our Creator, the One who made us. The book of Psalms reminds us that we are, “. . . fearfully and wonderfully made” (139:14). Yet, I will be the first to admit that I forget to turn to my Creator to find meaning. I often am looking for meaning from my occupation, my hobbies, and my relationships.

But, it makes logical sense to find meaning in the One who did the creating right? In Him alone, we find our true meaning and our true rest. “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth. . .” (Proverbs 3:19), and I believe that He meant for each of us to find our meaning first and foremost as beloved children of God.

You are loved by the One who made you.

There is nothing wrong with finding meaning in our occupations, hobbies, and relationships. God calls us each to our own unique journey in this life, and He knows the things that will bring us joy. Yet, we must first and foremost find meaning in the One who created us. In Him, we will find the answers we seek, sometimes in the form of a gentle glow on the northern horizon.

In Christ,

Lauren

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All scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible

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