Devotional Thought - Harmattan
by Faithe Thomas
They
call it harmattan. A tan colored fog moves south from the Sahara Desert, on
past the coast of Ghana, taking up to two months to pass any one point. One
day it is clear and sunny, and of course hot and humid. The next day it is dry,
cooler, and dirty. The dust affects everything, nothing can escape its residue.
It is impossible to keep at bay - within an hour of dusting, it looks just as
it did before. Harmattan casts a shadow over the city. Often it is so thick
that you cannot see across the yard or down the street. You can stare directly
at the sun, which looks more like the moon.
Harmattan always causes a somber mood in me. It reminds me of my own heart. One day it is clear and clean before God, on fire for Him. The next day it is dry and cool toward Him, covered by “dust”. The light of the fire within me is dulled just as the sun is during harmattan.
I puzzle over my fickleness. I try to pray. I feel like God is far away. But God is not the One who moves. I pray again, asking for God to show me the sin that is blocking His light and covering my soul. Oh the sin that casts the shadow over my heart! God is faithful. The sin is always found, and then confessed. God always forgives and cleanses. And once again the harmattan of my heart goes away.
About the Author
Faithe Finley Thomas lived as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa for six years. Her book "Staying in the Breeze" is a thoughtful reflection of some of her experiences. It can be purchased through Master Design.
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