For me, one of the joys of waking up before the break of dawn is seeing the “first light.” I used to love watching the initial burst of sun rays through our window, and during those moments, I thanked God for everything in my life.
At that time, I have yet to grow my faith through my daily morning prayer and bible reading. During those times, when I was not yet too committed and had not yet totally surrendered my life to Jesus, I was content with seeing God’s masterpiece through the first light.
And so, this made me reflect about the many small sources of light that have given me hope over the years. The light of my dad’s watch which I turn on when I was too scared at night. My dad’s flashlight, which he lets me borrow so that I could not be scared of the dark when I started sleeping in my own bedroom. And later on the light of the candles that held my prayers for God’s help and protection.
And while God may have been present through the sparks of light that I came to rely on during my dark moments, I knew that these all do not suffice. I needed the beacon of hope in my life. If I only knew then that all the light I needed was in Jesus, I would not have needlessly suffered so much agony, fear, and helplessness each time I encountered troubles.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
But when I surrendered my life to Jesus and knew that He is the light of the world, my life view changed. It was like I was healed from spiritual blindness, and it gave me a deeper appreciation of life, and what is really important.
That despite the challenges that I face, I am assured that everything I am going through is part of God’s good plans for me and that He has my back.
“The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.” Psalm 146:8
Such assurance is something that every genuine follower of Jesus should help give to others by living their faith and sharing the gospel. This is in fact a command for us who know and walk with God.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
When we live lives that reflect God’s love and light, we illuminate other people’s path towards Christ. And it is in this path where they would see the light that will free them from the darkness of sin, regrets, fear, anxiety, depression, and restlessness.
When we tell them that all they need to do is to surrender their lives to Jesus, repent and step away from their sins, proclaim Jesus as the Savior of their lives, and grow their faith, they could begin seeing the rays of light shining through the darkness they are enveloped in.
Like the first light bursting into the seams of the horizon, Jesus’ light, through His words, will strengthen their spirit, give them peace, and will help them endure inevitable trials with joy and hope.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 1 John 1:1-10 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you let Jesus’ light shine in your life?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for shining your light in my darkest seasons. I hope to remain in your light, and I want to help others experience it too. Give me the strength and confidence to reflect your light through my life. Amen.
“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?” Psalm 27:1
