Why I’m Thankful for the Light

I made a huge purchase decision this weekend. In the dark. I couldn’t see the car I committed to drive for the next three years. Assuming I knew what I would receive, I signed the contract and drove home. When the light dawned on my mistake the next day, I felt sick over what I had done. Though I hadn’t prayed for the light of God’s wisdom beforehand, I now needed to pray for grace.

I needed God’s help with something more important than favor with the dealership. My foolishness, now on display in the SONshine, proved a desperate need for ongoing grace. I had failed to invite the Spirit’s light into this impulsive contract signing. Worse, my attitude reeked of self-centered smog.

Instead of rushing to the dealership in the Sunday morning daylight, I attended worship. Scripture and praise re-centered my focus on Christ. Wherever I drive, in whatever I lease, I need to dwell in Him and for Him alone. The One who transforms life’s journey into a blessing with His presence is my way, pilot, and destination.

I’m profoundly grateful for Jesus. His grace sustains me every moment. Not just during this season of grace and gratitude.

Thanksgiving seems a perfect time for me to focus on gratitude for the light of Christ and all its benefits this season.

Research and scripture prove we can experience more joy and light with our thankfulness, after all.

Today’s video discusses the following scriptural concepts about light:

• God spoke light into creation before any other element of the universe.
• Jesus defines Himself as “the light of the world.”
• To be “in the light” according to the passage in 1 John 2 refers to dwelling in Christ’s heart.
• We see where we are going, what is around us, warnings, and opportunities only when in the light.
• Any amount of light dispels the darkness. Darkness is the absence or blocking of light.
• The brain depends upon sunlight to elevate neurochemicals which allow us to experience psychological happiness.
• There is no darkness in God, and He cannot be blinded by any shadow. He sees through and into the dark as if it were daylight (Psalm 139).
• We cannot create our own spiritual light. Nor can we see well by the synthetic light of our own understanding.
• Joy comes from dwelling with and in the light of Christ.
• The Lord’s presence illuminates heaven with no need for any other sources of light. In eternity, God will wrap us in His safe, loving, pure, life-nourishing light.
• Light nourishes growth and sustains life.

If you’re in need of more light this season, consider meditating on scripture as you invite Christ to dwell with you in prayer. The verses below could offer a great starting place for your devotional time.

Thanksgiving offers us a wonderful time to remember all the things for which we can be grateful to the Lord. How do you plan to include praise and worship in your celebrations this year? Will you place candles on your table? Add prayers of gratitude to the onset of your meal? Put a gratitude jar in the kitchen for the entire holiday? Please share your ideas with us in the comments below.

Don’t forget to comment on the previous post if you’d like to be entered for a chance to win Crickett Keeth’s new study, On Bended Knee! I’m giving away a copy of her book, and will announce a winner on Friday, November 22 in the evening on my Facebook page.

As always, I look forward to reading your inspiring comments!

Be Encouraged,

Tina

“Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister^[b] is still in the darkness. ¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister^[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.” 1 John 2:8-11