Today’s Reading
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 (NASB)
I love the phrase, “Let your light shine.” I remember singing the song, This Little Light of Mine, when I was a child and thinking it meant I needed to tell others about Jesus, but really, it goes so much deeper. When we look at children, we see a spark; a light that shines out and just makes us smile. As the reality of this sinful world begins to make its impact, it is heart breaking to see the light dim, but the light is not gone.
The devil uses so many things to attempt to steal the light of God and make us feel like it is gone. He uses things such as harsh words from parents, teachers, and even children. For me, the devil was most successful by using my own thoughts, or should I say, the devil’s thoughts which I took as my own. I used to tell myself how I needed to be different. That I should be quieter like other girls in my class and not laugh so much. I did not realize at that very time I was rejecting the gifts God had given me and telling God He should have made me different. Instead of building on the gifts of joy and happiness, I was putting a bushel over my light and allowing the devil to blow it out.
It was not until years later when I began to realize what I had done and even many more years before I realized it was the devil working in me to hide the light of Jesus. By surrendering to God I was able to let my light shine again, but it took some time to quiet the voice of the devil. The good news is that with God’s light, the devil’s darkness cannot be present. I now live with the light of God leading my life. I do not have to work to push the devil out, I simply have to focus on God and He will overcome!
Reflection
Can you think of times when your light has been covered? How about your children – can you think of how the devil works to bring them down and keep their light from shining?
Prayer
Dear Lord, You are so good and I love you so much! Come into my life Lord and shine into every part of me, leaving nothing untouched. Let all around me see your light and your love through me. Open my eyes to the gifts you have placed in my life and help me to develop my gifts to bring you glory. Thank you for never giving up on me. In Jesus’ name; amen