Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SOUL / SOLE (03/02/23)
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TITLE: Let Your Soul Shine | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Elder-Criss
03/05/23 -
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One of my favorite tunes by the Allman Brothers, released in 1994, is Soulshine. In the lyrics, the musicians sing about how it is sometimes difficult to find the light and how our souls can shine brighter than daylight or moonlight.
Have you ever been lost in the dark? When it is storming in Southern WV, there is always a chance that you may be hitting the rack early if the winds blow too hard. Power outages in the mountains are familiar but have improved over the last few years when the local power companies sent out crews to repair or replace old equipment. However, in the past, we have spent up to 11 days, both in winter and summer, without any power. I don't know which is worse, freezing or sweating in the dark.
We know how to survive these outages, but does that mean they are enjoyable? Not particularly. Sometimes in the dark, you may stumble and fall. Even familiar objects and pathways can be disconcerting when you can't see the hand in front of your face.
As discovered in the lyrics of this old song, you can feel like you've lost your way in the absence of light. Feelings of being adrift or astray can be true both in the physical and spiritual sense. God did not design our souls to wander in the darkness alone.
Our sole purpose in this life is to reflect God's light, which we can only find in the life, death, and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His brilliant light is a beacon, shining brightly to guide our way out of the darkness.
Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 5:15-16
If we wander in the dark alone, we probably feel lost and afraid, without a compass or form of illumination to guide us. But if we read the words spoken in John 8:12, we see Jesus saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
When our power is out, and we have only our small generator in use, it is limited to what it can support, i.e., a couple of lamps, a fridge, cell phone chargers, and maybe a coffee pot. Cords strung across the house can make walking dangerous, so tread carefully. You can navigate your way safely if the lamps you choose are nearby. Leaving the circle of light, however, you need a flashlight, candle, or an alternate light source to guide your way.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. "-Psalm 119:105
Our souls need guidance. We have the perfect example of light in Jesus that can shine brighter than anything this world offers. We cannot do it on our own. We can only make it to Heaven if we accept the gift of salvation only Jesus can provide. On our own, we will never be good enough. Heaven is unattainable solely on our merits or works.
Stop wandering around and stumbling in the dark, lost, on your own. Realize your soul needs to commune with God through Christ our Father. Know that He will give your soul a reason to shine when He enters your life. Then you as well may be a beacon to others and help guide them.
Where Can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, Even there, your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me,"
Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalms 139:7-12
*All scripture is taken from the NIV Version of the Holy Bible
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