Let It Shine

Psalm 119:130 (KJV)  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Last week a crew came to the parsonage to remove four large maple trees from the property. Three were on the perimeter and one was on the lot not far from the house. It was not a healthy tree. Two of the trees were leaning over the roof of the house. And one of them was near to the corner of the church building. Since their removal I have noticed how much more light there is in the yard. Over the years all the trees around the parsonage have grown large, and because they virtually surround the yard, it has become darker. While that’s nice on a hot summer day, at other times it can feel a bit closed in and a bit gloomy. The grass has not done well as light to it has been reduced.

When I saw how opened-up it looked – just from four trees being removed – I thought of Psalm 113:130, which speaks of the power of God’s words to give light, or understanding, to those who read or hear them. There are several ways we might think of darkness. One way could be to think of spiritual darkness, or living without God or without the knowledge of God. In one Old Testament prophecy about Christ we learn that His coming brings light to those walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). Those living in the world without God were in a state of spiritual darkness – a darkness they could not get out of or escape from on their own. So God was taking the initiative in Jesus. In the Gospel of John we learn that Jesus is the Light of the world (1:4-9, 3:19-21, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35-36,46)

Another way of thinking about darkness is as a metaphor for uncertainty and indecision: not knowing what to do. The way forward may be difficult to discern and one can feel hesitant to act unless more light is shed on the situation. The person might need more information or need more support when facing a difficult decision.

Or maybe the darkness could describe the emotional state of one’s soul. Discouragement, depression, or despair could all be ways to describe a strong feeling of being in the darkness. Hope or strength may be waning and one might be suffering or succumbing to fear. The results of these kinds of things can keep us from the joy of the Lord and from the blessing of His peace. We may wonder how we can move ahead or get out of these kinds of dark valleys.

However we may think about darkness in our lives, I love the idea of applying Psalm 111:130. God’s words bring so much to us and to the circumstances of our lives. Just like the trees in my yard, there are obstacles in our lives to God’s Word: things like our busyness, disinterest, or distractions. These things need to be removed in order to “make room” for the light of God’s words. The light of God’s Word cannot be extinguished – it overcomes darkness wherever it shines.

Do you remember the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine”? Whether at home or in the church building when Sunday school or worship begins, you can think of it this way: a Bible is waiting to be opened, read, and applied. Shall we “let it shine”? Shall we go to it every day and trust it to give light to us? May the answer be yes. May our longing and our felt need for the light of God’s Word be strong, and may nothing in our lives put it out. And may our eyes be opened and made to see all that God has in His Word to draw us to Jesus, to guide our lives from day to day, and to give us hope for now and for eternity.

Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my      path.

Matthew 5:15 (NIV)  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.

PRAYER:  Lord God, Thank you for the power of your words to address every circumstance of life, to bring hope and help in time of need, and to save my soul. Thank you that your words are contained for us in your Word, the Bible. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!   

Scott