Be a light

I have a chronic sleep problem that often finds me awake before first light. I turn on the coffee pot, lamp, and heated blanket, claiming my spot on the couch with a book. Glancing out the window, everything in view is one-note. As if the glass were painted black, nothing is distinguishable except darkness. What lay beyond formulates a picture created by memory and imagination.

Imagination — what a sensational thing. I can frighten myself into visualizing an intruder just beyond the blackened veil, able to see me even though I cannot see him. Perhaps a coyote paces with silent steps, scavenging for a snack. Maybe birds shake their feathers, waking one another up for their morning song. Or possibly the wind is gently whisking the evening dew from the leaves.

I return my attention to my book, only to realize I am re-reading the same paragraph. My gaze reverts to the window, where I now see a reflection of the lamp like a small sun. Little as it may be, this light alters the darkness. My attention had initially lingered within the dark so much that I failed to notice the light — the light that I had turned on. An embarrassed smile gives proof of my thoughts. "I get it," I say to God. "I get it."

Sometimes we forget whose light we carry and whose power lives within us. It is easy to speculate what is before us, imagining scenarios that may or may not come to fruition. We often wrestle in darkness when God asks us to rest in His light.

Light creates such things as visual guidance, food generation, energy, warmth, and growth. But there is another light: One who offers spiritual truth, direction, salvation, and eternal life. ??

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,?'I am?the light of the world.?Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12).

As Believers, we are called to reflect Jesus' light. We are not to put the spotlight upon us but upon God's unfailing love. We are to use the power of the Holy Spirit within us to guide us in the ways that glorify and exemplify Christ's character.

"'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).

As bearers of light, we serve a valuable purpose that echoes into eternity — one that requires us not to hide God but to shine for God. One that enables us to share the faith, hope, love, peace, and joy found only in Christ Jesus. As imperfect beings, we become living testimonies to what Christ has done in our lives.

A Swedish proverb reads, “Worry gives small things a big shadow.” May we be passionate and purposed in not allowing worry and doubt to take root in the imagination. If we are not diligent with our thoughts, negativity and fear will spread into impulsivity and chaos. We must continually surrender to God’s authority, trusting His will and timing.

We cannot be an active light for Christ and remain in darkness. God will see us through. He will prepare, provide, and protect. God will place His light upon our next best step. Walk in faith. Walk in the Light. Be a light.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119: 105).

SGLY, dear reader.

Smile, God Loves You.