When the sun streams into my kitchen window, it cheers my soul. Everything literally seems brighter. Its brilliance however, illuminates more than just the room. Particles of dust flicker through its rays, grandchildren’s sticky handprints on the window pane bother me, and tiny bits of red dirt speckle the floor. When the light shines into my room, I see things otherwise hidden.
God’s Word illumines our hearts and our minds.
The Psalmist tells us,“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
There is a little trail in our backyard that heads down to a wooded area. My grandsons trot on the clay soil, their little shoes illumine the path with dancing lights in the soles. The boys make their way to a stump hewn into a rough seat. It’s Grandpa’s prayer stump where my husband goes in the mornings to pray. At the base of the prayer-stump’s backrest a hole in the wood trunk holds all sorts of treasures. The little boys leave behind tiny representations of their prayer times.
At Christmas a stone which symbolized baby Jesus cradled there. A small tattered picture of one of their well-prayed-for cousins and a paper heart for their mommy have hidden inside the stump’s cavern. When Grandpa prays with his grandsons, little hands pull those treasures from their darkness, and finger them in the light. A rock, a feather, a wilted flower, or a piece of Lego, reflect something different in the sunlight.
Jesus made an unparalleled claim as he spoke to a gathered group. Some came eager to hear and believe, others desired to find fault. The message differed radically from anything they’d heard from their religious leaders.
“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 NIV
“I AM the Light of the world.”
In the first book of the Bible, on the first day of creation, the Creator spoke light into existence, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) He separated light from darkness. He still does.
God speaks today through the pages of the Bible, the written word of God. Like a lighted mirror, it shines into the soul. It reflects what’s inside. It reveals the good, the bad and the ugly. It directs our steps and brings clarity to our thoughts.He separated light from darkness. He still does. Click To Tweet
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:120 ESV.
Words fly around us daily. We hear them, see them, and read them. God’s Words, inspired by the Creator of light, are the most important words of each day. Poured like rays of purest sunshine into every dark and hidden crevice of our hearts, they unveil what’s covered up inside.
God’s Words, inspired by the Creator of light, are the most important words of each day. Click To TweetUnfortunately, we often lick and stick the Word rather than linger and digest it. The busyness and demands of life interfere. Bible-lite shortcuts, like baby food already mashed and chewed, are readily available. But, reading about the Bible, helpful and instructive as that may be, is a mere substitute.
No other book is God-breathed. (2 Timothy 3:16) These words deserve time, study, attention, and honor for us to learn to love them. They invite us to dig deep, and layer their truth into our fabric.
God’s Word, “is living, active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
God’s Word has the power to chase away the black of night, the gloom of confusion and replace it with the light of His glory.
Have you looked into the mirror of God’s Word today? I’d love to hear how Scripture has brought hope, conviction, or joy. I’d be interested to know how it illumines your path.
Today the sun is almost blinding in my kitchen. I actually shield my eyes against its brightness. Hmmmmm. I see much more than I’d wanted to see. A film of dust on the window sill catches my attention. On the patio door, ghosts of little fingers are outlined. And seriously, where did that dirt on the floor come from?
I know that it will take some time, a bit of effort, a little lingering in the corners, but it will be well worth it. Because when I’m finished, the dirt and dust will be gone. Everything will shine. Like a mirror
JD Wininger
So much to both enjoy and contemplate in this post Ms. Sylvia. Thank you. When I think about the fact that we are God’s light in this world, it’s important for us to do two things. Keep our lens clean and our tanks filled. Amen ma’am.
Sylvia Schroeder
Love that J.D. “Keep our lens clean and our tanks filled.” I always enjoy your wisdom with a slice of ranch dressing!!
Katherine Pasour
What a wonderful example your husband is being for your grandchildren. I love the idea of his prayer stump and when he adds the objects your grandsons identify with to pray together with them–that will be a lasting legacy for them. A beautiful message, Sylvia. Thank you for brightening my day.
Sylvia schroeder
Thank you Katherine!
Tanya Kandel
Wow yes God is good and I do housekeeping for a living it’s my job and when you think in depth about that God will be cleaning us up until the day we come to be with him
Sylvia Schroeder
Tanya, thanks so much for weighing in. What a great analogy and perspective! I love your thoughts, “God will be cleaning us up until the day we come to be with him.” Indeed He will! Loved it!