Week 2 | Day 1 | Let it Shine

Command:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Read:

“Give your way over to the Lord. Trust in Him also. And He will do it. He will make your being right and good show as the light, and your wise actions as the noon day.” Psalm 37:5-6 (NLV)

Reflect:

Whenever I see the word light in scripture verses, it brings back a childhood memory of mine when I would sing and dance to that famous Bible song, “This Little Light of Mine”. The song lyrics say, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” As a kid, it was easy to shine God’s light because I was young and life was simpler. Now as an adult living in a self-centered culture, it is often hard to live out those song lyrics in my daily life.

This reminds me how my husband and I have been called to be lights in our own neighborhood. One of our neighbors is an older widow who lives alone in her house. Understandably, she needs lots of assistance with things like yard care, car maintenance, and technology. In the last few years, she has rung our doorbell, called and texted us hundreds of times, often during the early morning hours or late at night. 

Honestly, I don’t always feel like answering the door to see what she needs or listen to her ramble on the phone with me, but I’ve realized my acts of kindness and gentle words show her that God is in the details of her life and he’s meeting her needs through people in her neighborhood. Even when it’s difficult with our busy schedules or it’s an annoying task, I am reminded that I am called to be a light in the world.

React:

When you look at your daily interactions and places you go as you do life, are there simple ways you could shine God’s light with your actions, words and attitude? What could that look like for you?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our everlasting hope and light for us in this world. We want to share your goodness, love and kindness with others we encounter in our everyday lives. Guide us and fill us with your Holy Spirit so your love, hope and kindness can shine through us.