Hiding Light
HIDING LIGHT
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16 New King James Version).
For the last few months I have felt as though I’ve been in a spiritual fog. Things I once was sure of became fuzzy and unclear, causing doubt and uncertainty. Am I where I’m supposed to be? Do I dare? Where do I fit in? These, among others, are some of the questions I have been plaguing myself with. I had also developed an unhealthy view of myself – as unworthy to do what I feel I’ve been called to do, or not good enough, or not this or not that. It became clear to me I was falling back into old thought processes and habits. Well, ENOUGH, I say! I realized I had pulled a basket over myself and hidden my light.
God has not gifted us only to have us hide. Comparing ourselves to others and deeming them better than we could ever hope to be is a tactic the enemy will use to hide our light. He will plant lies of unworthiness, false humility; he will tell us we don’t measure up, or that we aren’t as gifted as we think we are. He loves to laugh at us and cause us to assume others are laughing at us. Church, he is a liar and we would be wise to not entertain those thoughts.
The fog I had been under lifted the other night. I had not realized I had even been covered by it until a couple of ladies from my women’s group said something to me. You see, I had decided to be very quiet and not share very much. Part of the reason behind this is fear, and entertaining the lies which had been planted in my mind. However, God had bigger plans that evening for me and I can honestly say, no longer is my light hiding under a basket. I will let it shine and let it shine brightly, and I don’t care what other people think anymore.
Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much and for sending Jesus to pay the price we should have paid. Thank You for being a gracious and faithful Father, that You gently show us where we have strayed and the lies we have believed. We thank You for showing us the baskets we have hid ourselves under and we thank You for showing us how to take our thoughts captive. May we think on the good things of heaven, rejecting every foul thought and negative attitude. May we continue to have the mind of Christ, and may we not compare ourselves to anyone else. Stir up our gifts and talents, show us avenues of opportunity and may our feet be planted firmly to the path You have set before us. May Your church no longer be hidden under baskets. We give You all glory, honor and praise, in Jesus name, Amen.
Today’s Attitude of Worship: Let your light shine. It doesn’t matter what anyone will think of you, what matters is what God thinks of you. And I can tell you, He thinks very highly of you, or He wouldn’t have trusted you with the talents He’s given you. You are highly favored, beautiful, confident, and worthy.
Shalom,
Prudence