I enjoy being outside, walking, and communing with the Lord while viewing all of His creation and the beauty that is all around. On a recent February day, it was a bit cool, crisp, and cloudy when I decided to walk anyway.
As I was walking, it was beautiful to see the sun and blue sky appear. I noticed my shadow directly in front of me and recalled how, as a child, I was scared when I saw my own shadow, thinking someone was following me.
With this view, I saw a parallel with Jesus representing the sunlight that was shining the path upon all of creation.
Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” –John 8:12 (MSG)
Jesus is the light of the world that shines on all of creation. Because of the light, there is no darkness, and we can easily find our way if we follow the path of light. We have the responsibility to continually seek the guiding light. I think it is a foretaste of what heaven will be like.
Jesus said, “For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn’t destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don’t know where you’re going. As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You’ll be children of light.” –John 12:35-36 (MSG)
Jesus is sharing these words with the disciples shortly before He is put to death on the cross. He encourages us all to walk by the light so we will not be overcome by darkness. When we believe in the light, the light becomes part of us, and we become children of the light. Jesus’ light shines through our lives, touching the lives of others.
Photo courtesy of Sharon Tate Soberon under Creative Commons License (CC BY-ND 2.0)
As I noticed my shadow in front of me, it was a beautiful thought to realize I was walking the illuminated path with Jesus, the light, leading me. What are some verses of encouragement about the path we walk with Jesus?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. –Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
We are encouraged to totally trust the Lord with all our hearts, not trying to reason everything out that happens. It is important that we submit our will and lives to the Lord. He will guide our path.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. –Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
What joy there is when we experience Jesus’ presence with us as we journey this path of life! The joy of the Lord wells up in our spirit, and we can’t help but share it with others. The Lord’s right hand provides protection and sustainment for us through everything.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. –Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV)
As we walk the path with the Lord, He provides times of refreshment and rest for our sometimes weary spirits. He cares deeply for us and wants the best for His children. His paths for us offer safety and well-being.
Photo courtesy of Baptist Union of Great Britain under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
It suddenly occurred to me that when I was a child and scared of my shadow, thinking someone was following me, maybe it was Jesus walking with me, illuminating my path!
Be encouraged this week to…
…see the light of Jesus guiding your path.
…let Jesus’ light in you shine through to others.
…trust the path the Lord is taking you on.
…let joy well up in you as the Lord’s right hand sustains you.
…enjoy refreshment while walking in the safety of the Lord.
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. –Psalm 25:4 (NLT)
Hi, Christine! I’m so blessed that Jesus connected us. I’m having a wonderful time looking through your writings.
I did the first devotional in the beautiful book you gave me. I loved this line in particular: “Jesus was able to invoke God’s spirit to bless the little food they had.” It gave me new language in my prayer life, knowing I can invoke God’s compassionate, loving Spirit, to move on behalf of those who seem to have so little understanding of His love for them. I know it’s His will that all would know His great love so I’m excited to see what Holy Spirit will multiply as I pray.
I believe God is going to multiply the little time we had together. We both are writers so we should be able to stay in touch!
Bless you and may YOU be inspired today, knowing God is using you “for such a time as this” to reach and inspire His people to a new level of knowing Him and His Compassionate Love for us all.
Greetings, Fauna~ Wow… Thank you so much for this blessed encouraging note. I, too, am so glad for God’s perfect orchestration with our meeting. I love the connections that we make with people that lead to spiritual family. I appreciate you sharing that nugget that God gave you through reading the God Multiplies reflection. I love to hear how God speaks to others as we continue to learn from each other. Thank you so much for your beautiful prayer too. Forever grateful~ Love and prayers for you and your family. Thanks for inspiring my faith journey.