After creating heaven and earth God's first words were “let there be light.” At the beginning of time before humans existed, He knew we would need light and be light. There are several references of light throughout the Bible, but as I studied and reflected on what I thought was being revealed to me as a focus of the year, three verses stood out.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
“This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine.”
I am a confident and optimistic person by nature and full of joy, but in my human nature, I often think way too much about what others think. I have overanalyzed some of my words and actions and allowed insecurities to prevent me from pursuing opportunities or having unique experiences. This verse is a reminder to let my light shine brightly. So this year I want to be more intentional about moving forward and shining my light to others even when I am self-conscious or nervous or fearful. It is also a reminder that God should be glorified in all that we do, and our words and actions should always glorify Him.
Even with my desire, to be more intentional in shining my light, in mind, it won't always be easy, which brings me to the next verse that will serve as an affirmation in the times I struggle to show up and shine my light.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalms 27:1
The results of fear can be plentiful from hesitancy to doubt to avoidance and much more, but with Christ in our corner, we never have to be afraid. When we are, we can rely on his presence and promises to see us through whatever is causing us fear.
The last verse will serve as direction as I walk out my faith and how direct vision to Christ is impacted by all the distractions that can shift my focus from Him and His word.
“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” - Luke 11:34-36 NIV
When we are in the darkest moments of our lives, Christ is right there with us. He is the light and unlike the sun and moon and stars, He is always accessible to us in every moment of every minute of every day. We can flip the switch at any time and shine His light in to our darkness.
With full intention to walk in light and let mine shine, these will be my memory verses for the year. If you haven't concluded it yet, my word for 2022 is LIGHT. Usually when I think about goals or plans or intentions, I start by creating a list, however in the first week of in the year “light” just kept coming up and standing out to me from quotes on social media to words of affirmation from those in my life, old and new.
Priscilla Shirer, one of my spiritual mentors, wrote in one of her books that when God has a message for you He will repeat it until you receive it, or something to that sentiment, and light was a word and theme that kept speaking to me throughout the week. So I paid attention to it, did some Bible study and adopted it for the year.
I hope this encourages you and you too will look to the light and let yours shine, even in the darkest moments throughout this year and beyond.
Did you set New Year's resolutions, goals or choose a word of the year? I'd love to hear about it, please share with me in the comments or connect with me on social media @JASMINECTATE.
Hugs and Handshakes,
Jasmine C. Tate