Let the Light Shine In
I have a pretty big tree in my backyard that had me puzzled because it was growing at an angle. I looked and looked at that tree, and I’d think, “That is so weird!” One day I was out talking to my yardman, and I asked him, “Why do you think that tree is growing with a slant?” He said, “It’s because there are so many shrubs and other trees around it that are crowding out the light. That tree is struggling to grow toward the light. If you’ll prune away some of the bushes and branches, you’ll make more space for the light to get to that tree, and it may just straighten up and grow properly.”
The apostle John wrote that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and that the darkness of this world cannot overcome it. Jesus said, “If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path” (John 8:12). Perhaps you’re struggling to get through to the full light of Jesus. Maybe you’ve allowed too many things to crowd your life? Maybe busyness is crowding in, or perhaps some friends who don’t have the same values that you have are overshadowing your light. Some people don’t realize that unforgiveness and anger can block our lives from being totally exposed to the Son. Sometimes an overcommitment to even good things can keep us from time spent with God and reading His Word in the light of His presence.
Today I encourage you to start to prune your life of whatever it is that is stopping you from being fully exposed to God. You can prune some of the busyness from your life. You can root out the anger and bitterness and pull out the weeds of unforgiveness. Don’t allow friends to stand in the way and keep you in a dark place, and don’t let even good things keep you from spending time with God in His Word and prayer.
It’s time to let the light shine in fully. Make a decision to do what it takes to grow up tall and straight. Get rid of whatever is blocking the light and let God’s presence shine on you and light your life to a blaze!
The apostle John wrote that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and that the darkness of this world cannot overcome it. Jesus said, “If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path” (John 8:12). Perhaps you’re struggling to get through to the full light of Jesus. Maybe you’ve allowed too many things to crowd your life? Maybe busyness is crowding in, or perhaps some friends who don’t have the same values that you have are overshadowing your light. Some people don’t realize that unforgiveness and anger can block our lives from being totally exposed to the Son. Sometimes an overcommitment to even good things can keep us from time spent with God and reading His Word in the light of His presence.
Today I encourage you to start to prune your life of whatever it is that is stopping you from being fully exposed to God. You can prune some of the busyness from your life. You can root out the anger and bitterness and pull out the weeds of unforgiveness. Don’t allow friends to stand in the way and keep you in a dark place, and don’t let even good things keep you from spending time with God in His Word and prayer.
It’s time to let the light shine in fully. Make a decision to do what it takes to grow up tall and straight. Get rid of whatever is blocking the light and let God’s presence shine on you and light your life to a blaze!