I think I’ve touched on this subject before.  I probably will again someday, forgetting that I wrote this today.

It occurs to me that, as human beings, we see nothing really.  Nothing but reflected light.  Right now, our dog is laying on the sofa between my wife and I .  I cannot see her – or the Indianapolis Colts blanket she is laying in, or my beautiful bride, or the sofa we are vegging on.  All I can see is the light reflected off all these things.  Take away or alter the light, and my eyes and brain cannot correctly perceive what I “see.”

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV). 

We all shine a light.  And we all perceive light around us.  However, there are a lot of environmental factors that can alter our perception of our lives and the situations that surround us.  Past experiences, present expectations, worries, doubts, fears, pain, illness, hard times, sins, temptations… all these things filter the light that shines on our lives and colors our view.

As believers in Christ, we need to let the light of God’s Word illuminate our circumstances.  We need to muster up the faith to close our eyes to the fears of the world and trust that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV).

You may not feel like this is the truth.  You may not be able to see it.  But remember… circumstances color perception.  When our faith is weak – when we can’t see hope – we need to cling to God’s promises.  Now… lest I stand accused of hypocrisy, understand that, due to my circumstances, I have to remind myself of the preeminence of God’s truth over my perceptions every day.  Several times a day.  And I need to have people in my life who will shine God’s light for me, brothers and sisters in Christ who remind me often that they love me and, more – most – importantly, God loves me.  And that isn’t just an abstract theological idea, but absolute truth.  I am humbly grateful for the people God has put in my life to shine His light upon me and help me perceive it correctly. 

And I pray that, through these words, I am able to shine God’s light and bring you hope as well.