SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
“Lord, the light of your love is shining in the midst of the darkness, shining, Jesus Light of the world, shine upon us.” 1
The state of the world is a popular topic during conversations these days.
No wonder, given the appearance of its dark state! People have expressed conditions of depression, apathy, overwhelm and anxiety they normally don’t feel. Many tell of restless nights.
These are tough times and people wonder what can be done.
Actions people have taken are to stay informed of the truth and carefully pick through propaganda. Some have joined groups who, with combined funds and numbers, are in the position and power to enact change according to their views. Still, others have chosen to support candidates who align with their values.
But, perhaps the most useful thing we can do is to pray and let our lights shine bright.
The good news is these actions don’t require expense or travel (With gas prices that’s a plus!)
This song is particularly appropriate today as it uplifts us in times of darkness; and, in part, an answer to what can we do.
“Shine Jesus Shine” is thought by some to be a praise song and a prayer. As such, the first stanza might be considered a request, an asking to let Jesus’ light shine in the darkness.
It is also belief in truth from the source we know to be The Truth and that His truth will set us free
“Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me [us], shine on me [us]”
We are reminded when we ask for good, it will be given . . .
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8, KJV.
The second stanza asks for God’s glory to be spread over our nation and our land with His grace and mercy.
Today, we need plenty of God’s grace and mercy for our actions, that of our nation, and other nations in the world. And, it is reassuring to remember when our faith is tested, that, no matter what happens, His Word and love are eternal.
In answer to Jesus asking his disciples if they will walk away after others turned from him, Peter says –“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” –John 6:68, KJV
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” –Matthew 24:36, KJV.
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light”
In times like these, we might seek quiet in His presence where we can hear His Word and wisdom– helpful to maintain what’s God-right when the world is upside down.
If we are interested in lightening our load and that of our friends, neighbors, and the world, we can give our concerns to Him in prayer and ask Him to “consume” darkness and troubles.
In our prayers, we can also ask that He shines light on the path before us and on those habits we can give to him that do not serve Him or others.
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
We can let our faces reflect God’s Light by choosing words, thoughts, and deeds that align with God’s law.
When we do this, our light will shine brighter. As we are used by Him, our lives can increasingly become a testament of His light and word.
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me
Imagine what the world might be like if all of our hearts were “set on fire” for Jesus Christ and our Lord, Almighty!
Can you visualize the heaven on earth we could create by giving even one-fourth of our time and energy to Him as we do other things that reap less meaningful results?
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
The next time we feel overwhelmed by the world and engage in conversations about its concerning state, may we pray for His miracles and the power of His Light to shine in the darkness.
“Jesus, Light of the world, be upon us.”
“Shine, Jesus, shine!”
“Lord, let there be Light!”
1 Graham Kendrick, Shine Jesus Shine, Make Way Music (ASCAP) (admin. by Music Services, Inc. in the Western Hemisphere, 1987
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=shine+jesus+shine
