Drops of Sunshine - Daily Bread

When you are in true darkness, it's difficult to conceal a source of light. Think about a lighthouse. At sea in the dark of night, they served as useful tools for sailors with navigating and for their safety. With Christ as our light, we will never loose our sense of direction.

 Sometimes, when we awake from sleep, it can be a little disorienting. We may blink a few times to get our eyes to adjust to the light or the clear our vision as best as we're able. Our spiritual journey is not that dissimilar. When we are exposed to light, we suddenly realize that we were in darkness and there should not be a desire to return to it.

If we ever need a reminder that what God says will be, then we need look no further than the beginning. Until God spoke it, then it didn't exist. If we take those dark situations and circumstances clouding our judgement and give them to God, then we can trust that he will speak light into our lives.  

I used to love Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as a kid. There was something so alluring about that golden ticket. I can't help but recognize a spiritual truth to the moral of the story. Having a golden ticket was not a guarantee for any of those kids to receive the grand prize. Their choices along the journey mattered. The same goes for us.  

I would sometimes hear the elders in my church say that we [people] make salvation hard. As an adult now, having experienced some of the highs and lows of dealing with other people, I can say that some people make salvation impossible! That's exactly why our faith and trust have to be in God. If we are relying on man, it's likely that we won't attain it. So we should instead accept the gift that only God can grant. 

I don't know about you, but my self esteem would often pull a disappearing act when it came to doing things for God. I could think of tons or reasons it should be anyone else but me. However, it's those moments when we are most anxious that we should step out of the way and allow God to take control. 

Our mercy can never match God's. The fact that we receive his should be a daily reminder for us to remember that we weren't always where we are today. If not for God's mercy, truly, where would we be? That should help us develop compassion and understanding for others who are just beginning their journey of faith.

There are so many movies and books of varying genres that all share a common theme. Destiny. What is the answer to the purpose of it all? Why are we here? But it's not until we let go of the idea of "my purpose" and instead focus on God's that we can truly understand and embrace his desire for our lives.

People sometimes settle into that if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it mindset. The trouble is that it puts limitations on future possibilities because we've closed our minds. Instead, we should look forward to a future that is far greater than the things that are behind us.

 During a season where many on the East Coast are looking forward to warmer days, the Spring season is a good reminder of change. Not just change, but growth and even renewal. We too may have found ourselves in a season that felt frozen and even dead. Those are the types of situations that truly show the power and splendor of God. Let Him do his thing.

I would frequently experience Imposter Syndrome when I advanced in my career. Whenever I had a thought or an idea, I'd often keep silent out of anxiety because of it. We have to learn to trust the gifts that God has placed in us. If God is directing our path, failure is not an option.  

 

When we are faced with the unknown, it's safe to say that it can be frightening. It's easy to want to drift back into the safety of the known. But those new experiences could very well be the change you've been praying about. This is why we need to trust God to guide our steps and be sure to listen to his instruction.

In my career experience, I've learned that the employees that live the furthest away have a tendency to arrive at work earlier than most. It's because, if they're smart, they have contingency plans for horrible traffic or other things that may cause delays. The employees that live nearby have a tendency to cut it closer with timing. It's easier to get comfortable with a commute and it's also easier to trick yourself into thinking you have more time than you actually have. That type of complacency is a tricky game and can be a dangerous one when it comes to our souls. We should focus on staying ready so that we aren't caught outside the door like the five.  

 It's spring. My second favorite season. Each day, we are granted an opportunity to see new flowers bud, color returning to trees, and even grass springing back to life. It's a reminder that, even for us, God is capable of renewing situations that seem like they are on the verge of death. 

Have you ever bared your innermost to someone, only to have them throw the information in your face later? That's not a good feeling. It's also why God is an unmatched confidant. Those troubles, those wrongs, those woes and worries are all things you can cast his way. When you ask for forgiveness, believe that it's granted and don't go fishing for what has been cast away.

For some people, change can be terrifying. So terrifying, that they'd rather remain in the condition they are in. But in order to take in a new experience, you have to travel outside of the comfort zone of familiar. For some of us, that is where we will find what God has waiting for us.

That new clothes feeling is unique. It gives you a little more pep in your step and you feel more confident. It's a feeling and a level of confidence we also need when we begin to strip away the negativity and step, fully clothed, into the purpose God has for us.

I need to be comfortable when I'm driving. So, during winter months, I can't sit behind the wheel comfortably being bundled up in my winter finest. The coat has to come off. We can experience a similar discomfort in our lives when we keep a tight grip on the weights of our worries and a sinful lifestyle. Like my coat, those weights become restrictive and begin to weigh us down. 

Imagine if you were in David's shoes, facing a Goliath with a sling and five smooth stones. It requires that type of deeply rooted faith not to be swayed by what obstacles and situations in front of us look like. Instead, we have to remember God's word and hold on to the truth of it.

When we lack confidence in God's truth, it's easy to be deceived. It's like a plant with roots sitting on the surface of the soil. One strong wind will blow it right over. We need these scriptures and God's promises buried so deep in our hearts that uprooting and deception is near impossible.

Most people leave gardening to the experts. Especially when it comes to weeding and rooting out the things that don't belong there. That's the same thing we need to do with our spiritual lives. Leave the weeding to Jesus and trust his direction when it comes to taking care of your garden.

Have you observed a movie scene where people immediately start screaming and running without knowing what's really going on? They're just reacting to everyone else screaming and running without ascertaining whether or not there is any true danger. Let's not be that way in our daily living. Instead, be purposeful in trusting God's promise, no matter what the situation looks like.