News headlines are filled with horrible acts and devastation happening throughout our world. Is it me or is the world we live in becoming darker and darker?
Now, I don’t mean dark as in lack of physical light, but dark as in grim and corrupt. This reality might feel a little (or a lot!) daunting, especially when we’re the ones on the receiving end of the horrible and devastating.
Living in today’s world is not for the faint of heart.
But, God has already told us that, didn’t He? He told us we would have times of trouble in this world. But, He also said we need not fear. Take a look:
I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.
John 16:33 VOICE
Amen to that! So, we aren’t left without hope. But, what do we do now as we live day to day? How do we function in this world that seems to be spinning out of control?
We pray and we shine.
Praying is the most powerful thing we can do, after all, God’s already overcome all this world can throw at us. We can talk to God all day, every day. We can seek Him, ask for His help, and pray for ourselves and others. Friend, prayer is powerful. Don’t go a day without it.
God also invites us to shine.
Take a look at this:
You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.
Matthew 5:16 VOICE
God has placed within you His beautiful, bright light.
When you allow it to shine forth, you illumine a part of this world. Others see that light, are drawn to it, and are changed by it. Because of your shine, they may desire the same light you have. And, in turn, God gets all the glory.
Your life may not be perfect. Shine anyway.
You may not feel like shining. Shine anyway.
Your day might be dark and dreary. Shine especially.
You may be too tired and weary. Shine anyway.
Shine anyway, friend. The world needs it.
Illumine your corner of the world. Watch what happens. See how people notice. Pay attention to what happens in you. Then, give all the glory to God as He shines through you.
How are you choosing to shine today? I’d love to read about it below.
You are loved, friend. Thanks for shining bright in my life!
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Ok! Now I’m singing “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!” That will be stuck in my head today….but that’s not a bad thing to be stuck on. I’m hoping to shine by making some CD’s of songs of hope for people going through hard times and by putting together a gift jar to thank someone for the job they’ve done. I hope to shine a lot more too thanks to this great post! You are shining brightly in this world Julie!
I am 89 and sometimes feel my days of service are gone. You have reminded me just
how important a smile can be. Even a smile over the phone. Thank you. Julie.
Hi Bev! It’s so good to hear from you. Your days of service are certainly not behind you. You have so much to give and share, whether that’s in person or online or through a note. God still has you here to make a difference. Thank you for making a difference in my life by your message today. Thank you!