It wasn't a great day to be taking a walk. A dense fog permeated the air, and dampness seemed to wrap itself around me like a cold, wet blanket. My mood was as gloomy and gray as the weather as I allowed negative thoughts to take control of my mind.

After a while, the sun came out, beaming warm rays on my face. As the fog lifted, I began to notice the trees, garbed in their autumn attire of rusty red, brilliant yellow and bright orange leaves. I laughed at two squirrels merrily chasing each other from tree to tree. My sour mood began to dissipate like the fog. I came home with a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature and the blessings of God.

Later, as I was reading the Song of Deborah in the Book of Judges, Deborah's final words grabbed my attention. She said in Judges 5:31, "But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength." I stopped to ponder this great advice from the wise woman judge of Israel. How can we be like the sun?

1. The sun brings people out. There is nothing like a lovely, sunny day to bring people out into the open to enjoy some fresh air and exercise. They feel better after a day out in the sunshine. Many people are trapped in a gloomy dungeon of loneliness. All they really need is someone to bring them out of their shell with a little bit of encouragement. Hebrews 3:13 says to "encourage one another daily." We all need to be encouragers, always looking for ways to help others and bring them out of themselves and into a world of joy and service.

2. The sun gives warmth. Sometimes it seems that we live in a cold, cruel world. It's frightening to see so many examples of road rage, school shootings and disgruntled employees gone berserk. All around us are angry, frustrated people. We need to be like the sun and give warmth to a cold world by acts of kindness. Just as the sun can chase away the fog, a loving attitude can melt the hardest hearts. Paul said in Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."

3. Sometimes the sun is hidden by the clouds, but it keeps shining anyway. Life can be difficult. Our "sunshine" can be hidden by clouds of doubt, depression, grief and despair. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Whether we realize it or not, people are watching us and looking to us as an example of how a Christian should act and react to negative situations. A positive attitude must overpower negative feelings. Yes, we will have times of hardships, but if we truly love God and have faith in Him, He will help us to overcome our trials. Paul was in a dingy prison cell when he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice." He went on to give the secret of his contentment. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:4, 13).

Jesus, the Son of God is our perfect example. If we want to be like the Son, we need to have a sunny disposition. Jesus will help us be like the sun when it comes out in full strength.