How to Shine When the Days Are Dark (November 11.13.2014)
Today’s Scripture — 11.13.2014
“Open up before God, keep nothing back;
he’ll do whatever needs to be done:
He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day
and stamp you with approval at high noon.”
~ Psalm 37:6
The Message
Just a few words,
a whisper to your soul:
Did you know that you shine, even on your darkest days?
Did you know how He approves of you,
And how that is approval enough?
Your “shine” is the mark of His approval of you.
Your shine is who you ARE, not what you DO.
And your shine isn’t about your circumstances; it’s about your Savior.
I dare you to believe it.
God’s got this, friend —
He’s got your reputation, your honor, your righteousness.
He’s standing with you in the dark, giving you more of His Light.
You are never alone, even if you feel hidden, because your life is hid in Christ with God.
You might face censure or rebuke or the steady drumbeat of disapproval,
and maybe your inner critic’s the one shouting loudest.
Step out of the dark, and into the light, brave soul.
Turn your face to the noonday sun,
and let it warm you through.
God’s got this,
and God’s got you.
Living PreApproved,
Jennifer
This post is part of our month-long series, “A November to Remember: Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes.
How You Can Be a Part of This Movement:
1 – Print out the Scripture sheets. (Click here for printable versions.) Each of the 30 daily Scriptures are quoted in Love Idol, and each one ties back in some way to our identity in Christ. (You don’t have to read the book to participate in this study. But of course, you’re welcome to!
2 – Find the passage assigned for today’s date.
3 – Consider how God is speaking to you. How does the verse help you remember who you really are, outside of all the cultural noise?
4 – Visit us on the blog, or the Love Idol movement page on Facebook, to share what the verse means to you.
5 – Share your insights on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or your blog, to add more soul to your scroll. #MoreSoulLessScroll
I’ll post my own response here on the blog every morning at 5 a.m. Sometimes, you’ll find a story, maybe a few short words, maybe a series of photos. That will happen every day, for all of November, God-willing.
Follow Along
If you want to follow along, visit us here every day. Consider subscribing to my blog by clicking here to get these reflections in your email inbox.
The Printables
(Download for printing from Google Drive)
Let this be the November that we remember who we really are: Loved. Preapproved. His.
Find all the posts in the November to Remember series by clicking here.
Thankful for your words here today and sending them to a friend who is walking in some dark, dark days. What a blessing you are. With Joy, Carey
I am praying for your friend, Carey. And thank you again for creating these printables. You’ve truly inspired this whole series. xo
Indeed Jennifer, what a blessing you are! Always reaching out from your computer keyboard to lift the spirits of others with Spirit-inspired words. Now, if I could just get this message down deep into my soul. Maybe it’s time for me to cover all the mirrors in MY house?
I like this MSG paraphrase…”Open up before God, keep nothing back”. He so desires honesty in prayer, even when it’s most difficult for us to express what’s really going on in our hearts. I speak solely for myself–there’s a lot of downright “ugggly” in this heart of mine. Still? He has me covered. Oh wonder of wonders.
Right there with you, Jillie. Thanks for stopping by.
I do.
Wow I needed this so much right now! My inner critics been shouting loud these days. Thanks Jennifer for sharing such words of encouragement to all of us.