In the midst of the world that seems to be falling part, we had our first full week of spring weather in Beaverton this past week. I don’t know about you, but the sunshine has really helped keep me hopeful. As humans, we find comfort in warmth and sunshine. Darkness breeds fear and anxiety. Light brings us hope and peace. That’s how God created us, to find comfort in light.
Physical light brings us some comfort. Spiritual light brings us even more. The book of John tells us that Jesus brings spiritual light. John 1:4-5 says “In him [Jesus] was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”
How Jesus Is Our Light
What does that mean? Those of us who choose to follow Jesus have a spiritual light. We often experience this spiritual light through the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Reading the Scriptures brings us peace. It reminds us who God is. It helps to guide our lives and give us wisdom. The Holy Spirit works in our lives as we read Scripture, bringing light to our lives.
Jesus is also our light because he gives us hope. Darkness is scary because it keeps us from seeing what’s in front of us, so we despair. We don’t know where we’re going. However, as Christians, we are never in complete darkness. We know where we’re ultimately going. We know how the story ends: God wins. What happens between now and then are just plot twists that make God’s ending even more spectacular and amazing. We can lose our health, our investment portfolio, our job, or our supply of toilet paper, but none of these things change the outcome of our lives…
What to Expect When You’re a Light
Everytime God gives us something, he asks us to share it. He wants us to be like him. Therefore, we are called to be a light to those around us. John chapter 1 tells us a few things about what Jesus experienced as a light to the world and what we can expect.
First of all, recognize that people might not like your light. John 1:11 tells us that Jesus was rejected. People weren’t always willing to receive him. The same will be true for us. However, just because people didn’t accept Jesus doesn’t mean he gave up on them. He kept loving and being a light, always hoping that people would eventually embrace him.
Secondly, Jesus had to come near to people to be a light. People weren’t automatically attracted to him from afar like moths to a lamp. He had to move towards people. We are called to do the same. We’re not supposed to just hang out with other lights, hoping people will be attracted to us and come to us. We’re supposed to be out there in the darkness, with people who don’t yet know Jesus, acting as a sign that points to Him.
Practical Tips to Give and Receive Light in Today’s World
Okay, so how do we find the light of Jesus in our lives in the midst of a pandemic? How can we be a light to our neighbors in a time of “social distancing”? I’ve got four practical tips for you
Practical Tip #1: Spend time in the Word searching and soak in God’s wisdom, guidance, and peace. Chances are, you have a lot of free time right now. Sports are cancelled. You’re working from home. Instead of watching another news report on handwashing, turn off the TV, put down your phone, and spend some time focusing on Jesus as your light. Read Scripture and just sit in silence and think about it. Pray and then spend time listening to what God has to say to you, what he is calling you to do. If you need a little more guidance on this, we’ve got some resources listed for you below.
Practical Tip #2: Take time to note the little ways that God provides for you each day. These don’t have to be big things. Focus on even the smallest provisions: a call from a friend, a walk in the sunshine, a good conversation with a friend or family. Encourage your family to share one good thing they experienced each day. Consider keeping a gratitude journal. God’s good gifts of grace are all around us if we simply take the time to notice them.
Practical Tip #3: Take this opportunity to reach out to people who might have been unreceptive before. The truth is, people are more open to faith and relationships in times of crisis and fear. Even if someone has rejected you in the past, reach out to them. Ask how they’re doing. Ask if they need anything or would like prayer. Even if they reject you again, keep asking periodically. You never know how God might be at work.
Practical Tip #4: Find ways you can “move into the neighborhood” and support non-Christians, even if you have to be physically distant. Find ways to show that you care. Reach out to at least one coworker or friend each day to check in and see how they’re doing. Call neighbors and ask if they need anything. Donate to food banks or food drives. Give blood. Be patient and gracious with any health care providers you interact with. Order takeout and tip generously, if you have the means to do so. Buy gift cards from restaurants that are currently closed. In everything that you do, show that you are FOR and a part of your neighborhood, your community, and your city. We’ve included a couple of ways you can do this below, if you’re looking for ideas.
As Christians, we have a unique opportunity in the midst of the coronavirus craziness. We can deepen our faith by looking to God as our light and life. We can reaffirm our faith and trust in Him. All of us can follow God’s call to be a light by being a voice of hope and love in the midst of a fearful and despairing world. May we all embrace the light and shine brightly for all to see.
Resources for Bible Study/Meditation:
SoulSpace App : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soulspace-christian-meditation/id1474323716
She/He Reads Truth: https://shereadstruth.com/ or https://hereadstruth.com/
YouVersion: https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
Pray As You Go: https://pray-as-you-go.org/