All of our lives are used for something. Most people spend their lives focused on growing a family, building their career, or amassing possessions. While none of those things are necessarily wrong, they can become distractions from our ultimate goal in life.
A big source of my lifelong frustration has been seeing how the above has not really happened in my life, or has happened but exceedingly slowly, at least compared with my peers. And at multiple points I had thought thoughts along a common theme: Once I accomplish this task in front of me, I will attain this reward, or: Once I reach this milestone, then a certain expectation I have (presumably tied to the milestone) will happen. Sometimes it has happened like that; sometimes not. And I've developed this habit of complaining that things don't work out the way I expect, particularly because I've compared my own experiences to that of many of my peers, where things would often work out the way I expected - for them.
I had a dream one night last week where, over the course of the dream, I was having trouble with my eyesight. I don't think it was a case of things appearing dimmer throughout the course of my dream; rather, the dimness of my eyesight and vision was something I gradually realized over the course of the night, until it became obvious that something was wrong. And then at some point after that, I found a restroom with a mirror, and I was able to see clearly that my eyes were not working properly. One eye was almost constantly looking up almost into my eyelid (or to the side), and even my other eye was only somewhat looking straight ahead some of the time, also sometimes looking up or to the side. The other big takeaway was that at no point were my eyes working together.
I woke up shortly after that. I forget now if this devotional came before or after the dream, but it was (and is) very much apropos to what I believe God is revealing to me about myself right now. It's humbling. But I do need to know if I'm walking around blind and seeing everything around me dimly. And it is clear that this is true, and it needs to be corrected. So I'm grateful for this revelation, as humbling as it is, but I'm also recognizing that I don't know the way back. I do still pray and read my Bible every day. It's a start. But more is needed from me.
One interesting insight - even though this post is running on Monday, I'm finishing up writing this post a couple days prior, on Saturday. This is significant because this is after a full week of PTO from work and visiting with my dad. I've had time to be away from certain things that I do believe have been clouding my vision. Although I'm returning today and getting back in the swing of things at work starting on Monday, this has been a valuable time for a necessary pointing out of where I'm at spiritually. I pray for God to lead me back to Him, and for the strength to endure whatever He wants me to endure. Even if in a couple days I find myself wanting to back to the old thought patterns. Like anyone else, I need His help, constantly. I don't want complaining to be my legacy, both here on earth and in the hereafter.
Enough about me. I hope the below devotional blesses you like it has been blessing me.
Walking in the Light
Have you ever walked in darkness? Maybe the power went out in your house during a storm, or you were stranded on the road with car trouble. Walking in darkness can be scary, and it can be dangerous.
Having a light is just a little better, isn't it?
The same is true in our spiritual journeys.
How we find that light in the midst of darkness is actually pretty straightforward: Psalm 119 says that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path—in other words, the Bible itself is the light! It is our guide. It helps us make decisions to follow Christ and not walk in darkness. Just as He is the light of the world, we are called to be His reflection in the world. When we intentionally choose to walk in His light, we embrace truth, righteousness, and love.
Walking in the light means surrendering our old ways, seeking God's guidance, and allowing His Spirit to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
As we walk in the light, a beautiful transformation occurs: we find fellowship with one another. This light of Christ not only illuminates our individual paths but also creates a bond of unity among believers. It’s how we discover the joy of shared faith, encouragement, and accountability. It is through this bond that we are reminded that we are not alone on our journey.
Today, reflect on your walk with Christ. Are you consciously choosing to walk in His light? Are you growing in community? And are you fully embracing the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, allowing His grace to purify your life?
As you reflect, think about ways you can grow closer to God, experiencing the abundant life He has promised, and become a beacon of His light in a world that so desperately needs it.