But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Proverbs 4:18 (ESV)
Series Focus: “Let There Be Light”
God’s creative power displays itself in so many ways. Look around and you will see the majesty of the mountains, the enormity of the oceans, and the brilliance of a sunrise about to break over the horizon. When I consider all God has created, all He has promised in His Word, and all He went through to save me—well, let’s just say it is at the very least—humbling.
Questions run through my mind. Why Lord? Why do you love me so much? How Lord? How do You see me in the midst of all Your amazing creation? I see my flaws. I’m so far from perfect. I am acutely aware I don’t deserve the abundant life You offer. Yet, You call me by name! You tell me I am Yours. You give grace, mercy and forgiveness freely. So, in spite of all these things that are true about me, I can answer my own questions. I know I can trust You, Father, with all I am and all I have because in my deepest place of darkness – You first loved me.
Trusting God isn’t always easy. It requires action not just words. I can’t say I love Jesus, then stand for everything He would oppose. I can’t embrace part of His word and throw out the rest. Obedience is a word not all of us delight in, but must be at the foundation of our faith. As we follow the teachings of Jesus and live for Him, others can see and know the One True God. He carries our burdens, binds up our wounds, and gives us life. He never lies. He is faithful and just.
When we commit our way to Him, not only does He move, but His light shines brightly through us. It is in trusting Him that He acts on our behalf. He provides the path, the provision and the completion! Our part is only to trust and act in obedience to His perfect and holy Word.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:6 NIV)
Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lord’s wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness. (Micah 7:9 NIV)
And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. (Job 11:17 ESV)
Worrying if we are good enough isn’t what He wants of us. Dwelling on our past mistakes isn’t necessary. It is He who is perfect in every way. He makes us right with Him because He is God. Delighting in Him and His ways sets our minds and hearts upon Him. God’s desires become our desires. Our faith flips the switch on and His Light clothes us with righteousness and justice. We reap the fullness of an extraordinary life because we are a part of His family.
As we align our hearts with Jesus, He will make us shine as bright as the noonday sun. Our reward is secure—sure as the sun will rise. Hallelujah!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Proverbs 4:18; Psalm 37; Micah 7:9, Isaiah 58:8; 1 John 4:19; Titus 1:2