Soaking in The Light
I often sit out on my deck with coffee in hand to start my day praying or reading. The rain we have been having has interrupted that routine, and before I knew it, so many things were demanding my attention that I did not prioritize those moments. Recently I sat again on my favorite patio chair with Bible and coffee in hand, peered out onto the hillside, and felt the sun's warmth. The light poured down onto my face, and at that moment, my heart jumped. I don’t mean metaphorically; I mean sitting there in my seat, my heart literally leaped in delight as joy rose. New strength began to course through every cell, and as a smile snuck onto my face, I realized something so simple: soaking in the light is empowering.
Light is a powerful thing. It illuminates with a purpose to guide. It pushes back the darkness. It facilitates growth and brings warmth to the coldest of moments. Light is a powerful thing and could be considered the foundation of everything else. Looking back at the genesis of being, God’s first words recorded during creation as he hovered over the expanse was, “LIGHT BE.” Before light was defined, the Hebrew language tells us that God vibrated (hovered) above the expanse. Then God spoke, and from His very being light was created. His declaration and impartation brought to the forefront a powerfully illuminating concept that became the foundation for everything after.
Light is transformational. Light transforms what is around it. It shines through the cracks and holes. It illuminates what is present and brings anticipation for what could be. It is not selfish, but instead, it exudes and spills out onto everything it can touch. It not only illuminates but alters. Studies show that bright light can intensify emotions, blue light can energize, and natural light, the very presence of it in a room, brings happiness which ushers strength into that space. Light impacts whether you realize it or not. It shifts, shakes, and stirs up things from within us. It separates darkness and defines truth. Its very essence has energy at work. The electromagnetic vibrations resonate deep into our core as we sit and bask.
There is a physical dimension to this empowering energy. Light alters mood which also involves a chemical response. Our very makeup is impacted by light. We sit and feel the warmth. We sit and resonate with its vibrations. This understanding becomes more profound when we realize that Jesus is called The Light of the World. He radically transforms everything! Physical, mental, and emotional impact comes from light. Spiritual significance can also be seen when we realize that those who embrace His light “will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12). We can connect to life-giving light, which reveals truth and empowers us to live full of truth, righteousness, and goodness⸺ apart from darkness (Eph 5:9). Connecting to Jesus not only energizes, it reveals that the way we live, soak in His light, and shine His light, brings happiness and joy! His light “shines on the godly,” and His joy fills our hearts as we follow His ways⸺ which are right (Psalm 97:11).
It is no accident that our hearts leap and find joy as we walk in the sun and feel its warmth radiating on our faces. Walking, or rather living and soaking in THE LIGHT, will make our days full of delight. The happiness we then feel will overflow onto those around us. Laughter and joy are contagious, so what if one of our new year’s goals was to spread happiness? Bringing light, joy, or hope into a difficult moment could just be the thing that transforms someone’s situation. “So don't hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them” Matt 5:16. Walk outside and be the brilliant light others need. Boost the happiness level. Be the light that allows the dark moments in someone's day to feel the warmth and brilliance of hope letting joy spill into their weak places. Sit, stand, bask in the sun, and then walk it out onto the streets of your city and into the places where the weary are waiting for a glimmer of sunshine amidst their rainy day. Let The Light empower and energize you so that you will see transformation wherever you sit, stand, and walk.
