Your Light Has Come
Date: October 12, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: "Dear Lord, help me to listen attentively to Your Word and open my heart to the message You have for me in this verse. May Your light shine brightly in my life."
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah in the 8th century BC. This verse is part of a larger passage in which Isaiah prophesies about the future restoration and glory of Jerusalem and God's people. It speaks of a time when God's light will shine upon them, bringing His presence and blessings. It is a powerful call to action. It encourages us to rise up and shine because the light of God has come upon us. The darkness in our lives is dispelled by His glory. This verse reminds us that God's presence brings transformation and hope.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Arise, shine": This phrase calls us to action, to stand up and let God's light shine through us.
"Your light has come": This indicates the arrival of God's presence and blessings.
"The glory of the Lord": Represents the divine radiance and majesty of God.
"Rises upon you": Signifies the continuous and increasing manifestation of God's presence in our lives.
S - Summarize and Share: Devotional:
This verse is like a wake-up call to my soul. It's as if God is gently nudging me, saying, "Wake up, Bev, and see the radiant light that has dawned upon your life." And every time I read this verse, it feels like a fresh invitation to step into God's glorious presence.
If you're someone who loves mornings, picture this: stepping outside just before dawn breaks, when the world is cloaked in that gentle, early morning light. I'm blessed that I’ve lived next to a horse farm pretty much my whole life, and when I open the door to let my dogs out, I often witness a beautiful sight. In the nearby pasture, I can see the horses standing gracefully in the misty fog that is rising from grass. Within minutes, the sun begins to shine brighter and the mist rolls away. That's the kind of image that comes to mind when I think of this verse. It's a reminder that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, God's light is more brilliant, more enduring. It's a promise that the shadows of doubt, despair, or fear will be dispelled by the sheer brilliance of His glory.
When I've turned to this verse, it's as if a warm and reassuring hand has reached out to guide me. It tells me that God's presence is my guiding light, leading me through life's twists and turns.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this verse is that it's not just about basking in God's light for my own sake. It's also a call to action. "Arise, shine," it says. It's an encouragement to let that light shine through me, to illuminate the lives of those around me. When I think about the people I encounter daily—family, friends, colleagues, even strangers—this verse reminds me that I have the privilege and responsibility to share God's light, His love, and His truth with them.
In practical terms, this means letting my actions and attitudes reflect the character of Christ. It means extending kindness, being a source of hope, and living out my faith authentically. It's about being a living testament to the transformative power of God's presence.
So, as I read Isaiah 60:1 and reflect on it personally, I'm reminded that I don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. God's light is not a distant, unattainable star; it's a radiant, ever-present reality. It's an invitation to arise, embrace His light, and shine it into the world. And as I do so, I am not only illuminated from within but also become a beacon of His glory, drawing others to the warmth and brilliance of His love.
4 Bible Cross References:
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"
Ephesians 5:14 - "This is why it is said: 'Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"
2 Corinthians 4:6 - "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."