In the closing pages of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi proclaims a singular hope: no matter how long the darkness lasts, dawn will surely break. Through the image of the 'Sun of righteousness,' he prophesies Christ's coming, but he speaks of far more than mere light. On this Sun's wings, he says, there is healing—a promise that the Lord will mend all our wounds, our suffering, and every sickness.

We often find ourselves in the darkness of despair. Guilt weighs upon us, fear grips our hearts, and both body and soul grow weary. Yet in those very moments, the Lord comes to us as the 'Sun of righteousness.' His presence becomes our light, and within that light, we experience true healing at last. When we turn our gaze toward Him, our darkness scatters, our wounds find restoration, and our despair transforms into hope.

The verse closes with another expression of joy: 'ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.' What a liberating image! Like animals released from captivity, we too are freed from sin's bondage and leap with genuine joy in that freedom. The joy of a redeemed soul is both natural and true.

Begin this day believing that the Lord rises before you as your 'Sun of righteousness.' Let your darkness be healed, your wounds be restored, and your soul experience true joy in the Lord's freedom.