Light

Tonight, God called me to the window in my prayer room.  I stood there staring into the darkness wondering what does God want to show me?  All I could see were the lights of my neighbor’s homes in the distance.  Some appeared close together, some were further apart, some looked bright, while others were barely visible.  As I took in the scene, my mind began to ponder the spiritual significance of what I was seeing.  Every point of light, however bright or dim, represented a child of God shining in the darkness.  I could see whole families glowing brilliantly, small clusters of believers twinkled here and there.  Solitary beacons shone in the vast darkness, calling to any that could see them.  I truly realized, the only thing pushing back the darkness of the world was the light of God emanating from His people…

I used to exist in the darkness, but saw glimpses of the light.  I was curious about it, hungered for more, even though the darkness held me tight.  The most glorious day in my life was when I left the darkness behind and walked into the light of Christ.  I’m reminded of Ephesians 5:8, For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light. 

John 8:12 says, Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we carry a certain amount of His Spirit, His light, at any given time.  When we are close to God, the light burns brightly, and the Holy Spirit overflows from within us.  When we walk away from Him, get distracted, or put something before Him, the Holy Spirit diminishes and the light begins to fade. 

I find it interesting how John 8:12 ends by saying, “…will have the light of life”.  The light I now possess comes with God’s promise of eternal life with him.  When I am filled with His light in my daily walk, I pour life into those around me.  This is not by my own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirt shining through me.

As His child, I now exist to glorify my Lord and Savior with every breath I take.  I completely belong to Him and joyfully seek to serve Him always.  1 Peter 2:9 tells us, …you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 John 1:5 tells us, …that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.  I can barely imagine how bright the light within Jesus is.  There is a day coming when we will no longer need the “artificial” lights of this world to see.  He will be the only source of illumination.  Revelation 21:23 states, …and the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Until that day, I am going to let His light shine as bright as possible within me.  I pray continually to be a light of Christ, a beacon to lead the lost to Jesus and His true light.  Matthew 5:14-16 says, You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.       

Does His light shine within you today?  Do you know the source of the light of life?  I pray for you to step boldly into His radiance and let Him burn so bright within you that you light up your whole city, and glorify His name.      

I wanted to thank my dear husband Tom for all of his help editing this post.