The world can be dark. Oftentimes, even in the sports world, we feel alone, unseen and surrounded by teammates trying to lead us into situations we’re not comfortable with. When we’re the only one who doesn’t go to that party after the game, or when we refuse to resort to less than legal recruiting methods to grab that top recruit, we can feel like we’re falling behind while everyone else gets ahead.
But God’s Kingdom works differently.
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth...
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:5,10)
When we can’t see how things will go or where we need to go, God’s Word lights our path like a lantern ignited in the black hours of night. Reading the Truth illuminates our steps, not necessarily the entire way, but just enough to give us the next step. And we continue to walk by faith, step by step, leaning on the light of God’s Word the entire time.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
If you want to stand strong in your faith and be a beacon of hope to your friends, family, teammates and coaches, it begins with knowing the Light Himself.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” (John 8:12)
Jesus is the Light of the world. By Him all things hold together, and we can count on Him to come through for us, whatever the situation. As we keep our hearts and eyes on Him, we learn more how He would react in certain situations, how He would interact with people and how He approached the fulfillment of God’s Word. When we search the Bible to know Jesus better, we can’t help but be drawn into the greater narrative of God’s redemptive love and let that flow out of our lives.
Let God’s Word illuminate your heart. When its cracks and corners are filled with the Light of the world, it’s easier to cast a glow far and wide into your sphere of influence.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
What about when we are downcast in spirit and unsure whether we can even move ourselves towards that next step?
Let God’s Word illuminate your heart.Sometimes, just sitting with God is enough to give our weary hearts a bit of hope. It’s good to be honest with the One who created us, who knows our thoughts from afar and is with us.
“As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God…
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:1,5)
As we allow God’s presence to illuminate the shadows of our own hearts, we fill with His light and are compelled to share it with those around us. God’s Word is indeed the lamp that lights our way, casting a warm and inviting glow to all within its visibility. Go and be His light today to a world in desperate need of a break from the dark.
We’re closing out the month on Read the Truth, but you can still dive into deeper content with our previous blog articles. Click the titles below to read:
Imperative: Read the Truth
God’s Road Map
God’s Anchor
Steadfast: Pursue Truth
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