“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.” (Psalm 112:4 NIV)
If you want light in your life, practice grace, compassion and righteousness with others. What you give to others is given back to you. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians:
“Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant.” (Galatians 6:7 CEB)
In the darkest of times it is hard to shine God’s light. One of the best portrayals I’ve seen comes from Louisa May Alcott’s, “Little Women”. I recently watched the latest movie version of her classic tale. Christmas morning has arrived, cold and blustery. The times are hard, money and food are scarce. Marmie, the mother of the four little women returns from visiting a sick family. As the ladies sit to eat their sumptuous breakfast, Marmie informs them of the latest news. The family has no food, the children are starving. The girls look at the feast before them, then at their mother. They know what they must do. The family wrapped and placed the food in baskets. After bundling themselves in warm attire, the five ladies carried the meal to the starving family. Light dawned in the darkness for both families. Light dawns for the upright.
Light dawns for the upright.
Do not mistake “upright” for perfection. God inspects the heart’s intention, not our imperfect actions. I have learned about intent this past year. The words my mother said to me are starting to compute in my brain; “He didn’t mean to hurt you.” Mom used this sentence when discussing something one of my brothers did to me when we were kids. I interpreted their actions the wrong way. I made the assumption they were intentionally trying to hurt me. They were not. In fact, often my siblings were trying to protect me. My interpretation was wrong. Because I made the wrong assumption about their outward actions, I didn’t consider the intent of their heart. If I had considered their intent, I would have realized their heart was in the right place. God looks at our hearts, more than our actions.
We are in dark times because of COVID19, but light is available. Take a step towards the dawning light by trusting God with your cares:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
Once you have cast off your anxiety, let God’s light shine through you. Look around at the people in your world. Who needs help? Who needs an encouraging word? What small action on your part can give light to their world? When you bring light to others, it will dawn in your life.
Question of the Day:
How can you plant seeds of light today?
Further Reading: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24 NIV, John 8:31-59 NIV, Psalm 112:1-10 NIV, Proverbs 15:12-14 NIV
