A number of years ago I purchased a CD by a group called Freedom Singers; I’ve never stopped listening to or being blessed by, their music. One song in particular and one line in particular of a song titled Daystar, challenges me every time I hear it. It goes like this: “Let Your light shine through me in the night”.
At the risk of sounding despondent, I find our world is full of darkness these days. Between wars, chemical attacks, murders and cruelty, just to name a few, to read of or hear of good news becomes a ray of light in the midst of gloom. The song I referred to challenges us to be a source of encouragement by allowing God’s light to be seen in our everyday lives. Here are a few ways I’ve thought of to lift spirits.
Watch for opportunities to help someone; whether we live in a small rural community or a large urban centre (or anywhere in between, for that matter) they exist. Check out opportunities through a local non-profit groups, churches or schools and you’ll find there are always needs to be met.
Polish up your smile and use it freely – I’ve often been heartened to see the response from someone who at first appeared to be utterly downcast. Something as simple as a warm “hello” or a beam of sunshine in the form of a smile can work wonders in someone’s day. These are just a couple of suggestions but they’re a good start.
Solomon put it like this: “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” (4:18 MSG). Later on, these words are given: “The light of the righteous shines brightly.” (13:9 NIV)
“Give what you have, to someone it may be better than you dare to think.”
