The eight principles of health · 5 of 8
Sunlight
Daylight is free and cheerful. A little time outdoors each day lifts the spirit and helps the body keep its rhythm.
- What it is
- Time outdoors in daylight, and bright, airy rooms at home.
- Why it matters
- Light helps set the body's daily rhythm, and it lifts the spirit.
- Where to start
- Open the curtains as soon as you get up.
Key verse
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:
Light and life
Dr Horst Müller points out that a seed will only begin to grow when it has warmth, moisture, air and the right light. Light is one of the things life depends on, and we are part of the same creation as the seed.
Ellen G. White made the same point from the greenhouse. We take great care to give our plants warmth, air and sunshine. How much more do people need them?
“In building, many make careful provision for their plants and flowers. The greenhouse or window devoted to their use is warm and sunny; for without warmth, air, and sunshine, plants would not live and flourish. If these conditions are necessary to the life of plants, how much more necessary are they for our own health and that of our families and guests!”
Day and night, a God-given rhythm
God made the sun and moon to mark days and seasons, and our bodies follow that rhythm too. Daylight in the morning helps tell the body it is time to be awake. Darkness in the evening helps it get ready for sleep.
Dr Müller teaches that everything in nature works in cycles. The day is the simplest one of all: light, then dark, then light again.
“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:”
Genesis 1:14 (KJV)
Let the light in at home
A home with light in it is a more cheerful place to be. Open the curtains in the morning. Sit to read or eat where the daylight falls. Let the sun into the bedroom during the day so that it is dry and fresh by night.
Dr Mark Sandoval notes that we take in sunlight through two doors: “The eyes must open, and the skin must expose itself” (The Law of Life, page 33). Both are easy to forget when we spend the day indoors.
“In the building of houses it is especially important to secure thorough ventilation and plenty of sunlight. Let there be a current of air and an abundance of light in every room in the house.”
“For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”
Psalm 36:9 (KJV)
Light for older people
As we get older we often spend more time indoors, and it is easy to sit all day in a dim room. A chair by a sunny window, or a few minutes on the porch, makes a real difference to how the day feels. If you care for someone older, help them find the light.
“Those who have the aged to provide for should remember that these especially need warm, comfortable rooms. Vigor declines as years advance, leaving less vitality with which to resist unhealthful influences; hence the greater necessity for the aged to have plenty of sunlight, and fresh, pure air.”
Sunlight and your body
Sunlight on the skin helps the body make vitamin D. Being out in the daylight also gets us walking, gardening and meeting people.
Here in New Zealand the sun is strong, so be sensible. Around the middle of the day, especially in summer, wear a hat, cover up, use sunscreen and find some shade. Short, regular times outdoors are better than long hours in hot sun.
The light of the world
The Bible uses sunlight as a picture of God's goodness. The prophet Malachi spoke of “the Sun of righteousness” rising “with healing in his wings”, and Jesus called Himself the light of the world.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (KJV)
Something to try this week
- Open the curtains as soon as you get up.
- Have your morning drink by a sunny window, or outside.
- Take a short walk outdoors in daylight each day.
- Air the bedroom and let the sun in while you are up and about.
- In summer, go out in the early morning or late afternoon, and take a hat.
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
These pages are general health education, not medical advice. Everyone is different, so if you have a health concern, or you are thinking about a big change, please talk with your doctor first.
Where these words come from
Every Bible verse on this page is from the King James Version, quoted word for word, so you can look each one up for yourself. The other quotations are copied exactly from these books, with the page they are on:
- Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing Read free in our health library
- Dr Mark Sandoval, The Law of Life Read the first chapter free
Keep reading
The eight principles, in order. Choose any one to read next.