We don’t have to watch or read the news for long before we see how much darkness and suffering there is in the world. But God is light, and His light shines brighter than any darkness. The Bible says: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:5 NIV). However much darkness we see around us, we can still have hope because we know Jesus’ light has overcome. And we can be part of bringing His light into the world. As His children, we’re children of the light. ‘You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness’ (1 Thessalonians 5:5 NIV). By living in this world, we’re going to come into contact with darkness regularly, and we can counteract this with light. We’re supposed to shine. The Bible says: ‘You are living with crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the dark world’ (Philippians 2:15 NCV). As children of the light, we don’t need to be intimidated by the darkness around us. Instead, we need to hold on to the fact that through God, we can shine brighter. Shining in a dark world can feel scary because we’re on show. It might even make us a little unpopular with others. But we can know that we’re doing exactly what God wants us to be doing, and by shining we’re glorifying Him. Jesus said: ‘You are the light that gives light to the world…Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:14-16 NCV). Are we prepared to shine today?

What Now?

Wrap up warm and go outside on a clear night to look at the stars. Pray that you would shine brightly for God.