Week 2 | Day 4 | Light The Night

Command:

Let your light shine. Matthew 5:14-16

Read:

“And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house.” Matthew 5:14-15 (Voice)

Reflect:

I wanted to shut out the world; turn off the news; exclude difficult people from my life; and not think about anything that made me feel uncomfortable. I felt beaten down and discouraged by the darkness of social media conflicts, the pandemic and the 2019 election and thought the only answer to holding onto the light was to isolate myself from darkness.

One morning I woke early and sat on my porch praying in the dark. Within minutes, the sun began to rise and I saw a sliver of light on the horizon. “God’s hope of a new day” were the words that came to mind. Eventually, the sun illuminated everything around me and the darkness of night disappeared. Everything could be seen in the light. Even the spider web in front of me, previously invisible in the dark, could now be seen clearly.

As I sat and prayed, the Lord spoke to me with this thought: “Light Illuminates darkness.” Jesus is the light of the world. As I seek God, he fills me with the light of the Holy Spirit and brings hope. His light helps me to see clearly in the midst of darkness and to show me how he is at work. His light in me illuminates the darkness for those around me. 

In the light of the Lord, my fears dissipate and my strength grows. I’m learning to lean in to Jesus when faced with darkness and trust that he will fill me anew with his light.

Saint Francis of Assisi wrote. “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Even one small light can make a big impact in a dark room. Much like when I walk with friends through a campground, while holding the only flashlight, I can use my light to lead others.

React:

Shining Jesus’ light might include speaking kind words to a stranger, preparing a meal for a neighbor who is ill, serving in our community or helping to build a house in Mexico. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can be a light today and act upon his leading.

Pray:

Father God, your light is far more powerful than any darkness in this world. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit that I might shine your light and show your love to others around me.