Light of Life: The Next Door of Opportunity
No matter what kind of day has passed, the same sequence of events occurs each evening. Night falls with the sunset and dissipates with the sunrise.
What a gift God has given. Not only does He paint the sky in streaks of vibrant color, presenting the world with a canvas never twice the same, striking the heart and catching the eye with the dazzling radiance of His glorious hand. But He also graciously renews mind, body, and soul with a daily reset … a chance to wake up to His new mercy yet again.
I have always been fond of the sunshine, drawn to the morning time. It is hopeful, peaceful, and beautiful to me.
Scripture speaks often of the sun … and the Son. God is the light of life; the sun is a placeholder in the sky to sustain life at His command.
Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge … He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.”
“Yours is the day, Yours also the night; You have established the heavenly lights and the sun.” – 74:16
“He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.” – 104:19
“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – 36:9
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
The sun is a standard, symbol, and sign.
“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” – Psalm 113:3
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – 84:11
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” – Genesis 1:14-15
Nothing is hidden from God … Yet He looks warmly upon His children of light.
“For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Abby
A handwritten note to make you smile, a cup of coffee to perk you up, a warm greeting to bring you joy … it’s the little things sometimes. It doesn’t take much to lighten the mood, clear the mind, or rejoice the heart. In a world plenty full of sadness and brokenness, moments of pureness and gladness—small as they might be—are a breath of fresh air.
In an average day of mine, that could include peanut butter, some sunshine, or a text message. I often experience God’s grace in tangible, consumable forms. Yes, He created and saved the world. Yes, He upholds the universe by the word of His power. And yes, He fills my lungs with air.
God is extensively magnificent and monumental, lofty beyond description and loving beyond compare. His throne is established in heaven; His presence fills the earth.
“The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens! Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?” – Psalm 113:4-6
Yet He chooses to draw near, dwell among men, and bring meaning to the mundane, minuscule, minute components of life.
“For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:16
I stand amazed that God is with us. And that commonplace tasks and ordinary locations become holy sanctuaries of His company and craftsmanship. Clouds are the dust of His feet, and somehow I can worship Him while dusting the furniture. Sunbeams are the radiance of His glory, and I find myself refreshed by an afternoon in the garden. Ocean depths are cradled in His hand, and my doing the dishes can please Him.
God is not far. He is not distant, deafened, or disinclined. He is close by, all around, and within … listening closely, forgiving freely, and loving immensely.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; what is the house that you would build for Me, and what is the place of My rest? All these things My hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.’” – Isaiah 66:1
Indeed, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145:18-19).
God works on a grand scale. He also works on a microscopic one. His goodness descends all the way down to my holey socks and weekend plans, while He controls the weather and commands the angels.
Even the little things are His.
Abby
The floor is hard, and the walls are too. Most days are dark and quiet, occasionally interrupted by a lone ray of sunshine or distant voice. Shackles circle the ankles and wrists, permitting a mere measure of freedom within a cramped prison cell. The occupant’s only company, amidst day after day of oppressive silence, consists of straying dust particles and scattered thoughts.
Few might live this reality literally, but bondage can also exist emotionally or spiritually. It could be a prison of pride or dungeon of doubt. Grief, gluttony, or jealously can ruthlessly capture and mercilessly detain a soul.
Anyone can get stuck. The trap may be different, but the escape is the same.
For the hopeless heart, remorseful soul, broken spirit, and weary drifter … light dawns. The Lord hears His people cry and sends help from on high.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” – Isaiah 9:2
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
Jesus is the bright morning star, hope of the nations, light of the world. He liberates, leads, and loves.
“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
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” – Psalm 68:5-6
“How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – 36:7-9
In wisdom, power, and love, God rescued the lost and reconciled the sinner.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:34-36
Satan frantically schemes against God’s saved … but his frenzy is futile because the victory is already secure, the war won, the future aligned. We serve the only God who breaks chains and empties prisons.
Abby
Whether celebrating someone on their birthday, honoring them for a holiday, or simply expressing what they mean to you, you may choose to highlight certain qualities you appreciate. A mother’s gentleness, leader’s integrity, or friend’s kindness might come to mind. People speak well of those they admire, pointing out praiseworthy features in their character.
Everybody is made in the image of God. But nobody is perfect, as God is. His character is most commendable, His name most glorified, His being most beautiful. And sometimes I just like to think about that.
God is patient.
He shows wisdom in waiting, purpose in planning, and grace in everything. God does not give up, rush, or worry. He is enduring, longsuffering, and forbearing with sinful people who continually resist Him.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
God is sovereign.
He maintains continuous control over all, never wavering or wondering. The Almighty First and Last contains all knowledge, power, and ability to create, sustain, and coordinate life. He is supreme, prevailing, and preeminent from the beginning to the end.
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.” – Colossians 1:16
God is merciful.
He displays kindness and compassion toward those who are broken before Him. His ruthless, righteous punishment of sin fell upon His only Son, so that His tender, tremendous grace could wash over repentant sinners instead. He is forgiving, benevolent, and humble.
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” – Psalm 145:8
God is surprising.
He is always doing a new thing. The King is exacting and demanding, yet understanding and willing. His promises stand when all foundations shatter, and His mercies are new when the morning dawns.
“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him’—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
God is Love.
Not just loving or lovely, God is love itself. He displayed the greatest love, embodied the deepest love, and promised unending love for His children. All other loves shrink in the shadow of His.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” – John 15:13-14
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” – 4:16
And that hardly scratches the surface.
Abby
You might take a day trip to the mall, weekend away at the cottage, or week-long cruise. Perhaps you’ve trekked longer and further for a work project, study abroad, or mission trip. Whatever the endeavor, you likely had an aspiration or destination in mind.
Life is often compared to a journey, for obvious reasons. It begins and ends, with countless thrills and perils in between. Detours, delays, and disasters are common mishaps. Planning, navigating, and improvising are constant challenges.
In my pondering the other day, I concluded there are two types of travelers: voyagers and vagabonds. Voyagers set out on a long-term expedition with clear directions, plentiful supplies, and high hopes. Vagabonds, on the other hand, head out with no intention, follow the ever-shifting wind of opportunity, and make do with where they end up for the time being.
In a way, I see myself as both. I am certain about some things, unclear about others. I am equipped in some ways, unprepared in others. I know exactly where I’m going, yet have no idea where it will take me to get there.
Earth is my temporary home; Heaven is my eternal home. I’ve never been there, but one day I will live there forever. For now, I am a pilgrim and pioneer, among the throng of God’s redeemed.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1
This verse immediately follows a narrative of historic and heroic saints. They stumbled and side-tracked, but never lost sight of their glorious end.
“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.” – 11:13-16
Jesus promised, “In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going … I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:2-4, 6).
I may look or feel lost at times, but my arrival is certain because I know the Way.
Abby
When you watch the news, hear from your friends, and face your own difficulties on a daily basis … it can seem like every bad thing is happening to everybody all the time. At least, it feels that way for me when I am weary, like a bombardment of brokenness.
Wave after wave of disappointment, mishap, and tragedy crash upon the eroding shore of my heart. There are times I get sucked down into the melancholy muck of despair, disbelief, and discouragement. But I must remember where my help comes from.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2
But it doesn’t end there.
“He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” – 3-8
When everything in my life tells me otherwise, I go back to the truth I know.
“God is [my] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore [I] will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” – 46:1-3
War is raging. People are dying. Relationships are breaking. Evil is present. Violence is rampant. Politics and policies are corrupt. Some babies are never born, some people never change, and some prayers are not yet answered.
Things are always changing and nothing goes to plan.
“But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, who will answer.” – 38:15
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” – 56:3
God never fails. He is still present, working His will and defending His cause. When I cannot make sense of anything, I must preach to my own soul.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” – 43:5
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” – 103:1-2
It may not look promising at the moment, but the promise holds true.
“Behold, I am making all things new.” – Revelation 21:5
And one day I will take it all in with my very own eyes.
Abby
A ninja skillfully handles a knife, a soldier carefully operates a cannon, and a knight bravely wields a sword … each one properly equipped for the mission, battle, and undertaking at hand.
So too are God’s people suitably armed for the spiritual battlefield, where the enemy is swift, cunning, and determined.
“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” – John 10:10
“[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – 8:44
But God is the Victor who has already overcome. He is everything we need.
“Take heart; I have overcome the world” – 16:33
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – 14:6
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – 10:10
The Warrior and Commander orders believers to garner strength, stand firm, and remain faithful.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful … Resist [the devil], firm in your faith.” – 1 Peter 5:8, 9
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
To do so, He graciously gives believers every tool and truth necessary to endure.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” – Ephesians 6:10-18
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
If I want to survive, I must rest my life in God’s hands and diligently pursue His ways.
Abby
Life is hard. I suppose that’s a given. From unrelenting bills to overwhelming thoughts, community tragedies to personal losses, hardship is as diverse as the people whom it afflicts.
Everyone suffers in a unique way. Some are bound together by common misfortunes, but only an individual can know what it’s truly like to be in their own shoes.
My struggles often lead me to the pit. I find myself there regularly, and I have become familiar with its darkness. But I have also encountered God in that valley.
In numerous places, Scripture speaks about the pit—the pit of sorrow, the pit of sin, the pit of shame. One time I may stumble into a pit of doubt or loneliness, other times of despair or self-pity. The truth remains the same for them all.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:2-5
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” – Psalm 40:2
I look to these passages when I feel beat down, and I remember what God has done for me.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” – Psalm 103:6
“Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” – Joshua 21:45
I know the promises of God to be not only true, but also reliable, whether or not they seem to be. What He has done before, He will do again, until everything is perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
God can—and will—rescue the righteous from trouble. If He saved us from the chasm of our sin, certainly He will save us from the pitfalls of life as we journey toward Heaven.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” – Colossians 1:13
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” – Jude 24-25
Abby
A stunning view, wild circumstance, or wonderful experience might be considered once in a lifetime. It is somehow beyond compare, with nothing quite like it.
I’ve had snapshots like that, and I truly believe they come about because the Creator Himself is supreme—above all and without equal. All good gifts come from Him, for there is none like Him.
Among His countless qualities, Scripture frequently emphasizes His holiness.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” – Isaiah 6:3
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” – Revelation 4:8
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth!” – Psalm 96:9
No man nor “god” could ever even remotely approach the measure of His glory and the magnitude of His righteousness. God is perfectly pure, just, and beautiful.
“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides You; there is no rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2
“Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” – Exodus 15:11
How then, can woeful man have an eternal relationship with Almighty God, save for the reconciliation accomplished through Jesus Christ His Son?
“Man is humbled, and each one is brought low, and the eyes of the haughty are brought low. But the Lord of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows Himself holy in righteousness.” – Isaiah 5:15-16
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” – Isaiah 57:15
God sheds His holiness upon believers through the saving sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Previously unapproachable, God through Christ permits access to His presence and ownership of His holiness.
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:14-16
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
So when I feel as unholy as it gets, trembling before a completely holy God, I remember Christ … whose holiness, by the work of the Spirit, is alive in me and will one day be complete, to the praise of His glorious grace.
Abby
Secrets are told in confidence and guarded with care. Honesty and trustworthiness create a safe place to be vulnerable among friends … a gift in a world of blabbering and backstabbing.
I am thankful to find such security and serenity in the presence of God, who is the closest companion a soul could have and the most trustworthy being to ever exist. He draws near to the one who seeks Him and leads him to Life.
“Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” – Psalm 51:6
I may never grasp the mysteries of God, but I can receive His teaching and wisdom from above.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
“Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.” – Psalm 119:66
“Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways.” – Psalm 119:33-37
In keeping with His character, God responds graciously and generously.
“Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long … Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.” – Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9
The presence of God can be like a secret place to meet for intimate fellowship. Or a quiet, refreshing space to be renewed and restored.
“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” – Psalm 16:5-7
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3
How is it that the God of all would come close, to envelop and enlighten the wistful human soul? How grateful I am for such transcending love.
Abby
