“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
The lamp in the cottage was old, reflecting the ‘Lighthouse’ theme of the previous owner. The first time I turned it on I saw a potential for future irritation. The switch was tricky. ‘On’ meant ‘kinda.’ ‘Off’ meant ‘maybe never again.’ Being the only light in the room, I coaxed it on. ‘Flicker’ flashed me a ‘don’t leave so soon!’ We’re just getting started,’ kind of attitude!
After toying with the switch gently, I finally got it to stay on. I was going to paint the room and needed to ‘see.’ Listening to music when I work is a joy, so I fiddled with my old IPOD to connect the power line and cable to get it going as well. Selecting ‘K.C.’s Favorites’ from the playlists, I hit ‘enter’ and my conditions for work were maximized. Until the ‘light’ flickered!
I did the same things I had done before, but ‘flicker’ was all I could get. Turning to walk away I bumped the shade, which caused a flicker. Finally, the ‘dummy’ light in my brain told me, ‘screw the light bulb tighter into the socket! ‘Flicker’ bailed from the room, leaving me to wonder, “why didn’t you try that before?” I really thought I had! But then, ‘Elvis’ came on!
God is so personal! I had been enjoying my time alone at the old place, and even talked to God and read His Word that morning. When Elvis sang ‘The Wonder of You,’ I felt a flicker from the Holy Spirit with an invitation to ask HIM to join me in painting the room. We did! I’d worked hard to create MY perfect work conditions, but intimacy with God IS the condition!
The gentle hand of the Spirit pointed me to a Book that was written by a selfish, entitled, spoiled but brilliant brat. After making one wise request for his age, God blessed him with wisdom and wealth beyond dreams. Along the way, wisdom flickered out and left the ‘Book of Ecclesiastes’ in it’s wake. It’s theme, ‘Life is meaningless,’ blinks out, ‘So Love God First!’
I don’t know WHY it’s so hard! I KNOW that ‘The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing!’ I really subconsciously believe that I have Him at the center of my life. I’d pass any test with a ‘YES!’ answer, every time. In REALITY, I must confess that believing I do, and DOING it… are 2 different things. God wants me with Him 24/7. It’s MY hand on the switch!
Are YOU WALKING in fellowship WITH the Lord in ALL your ways? Is your desire to let Jesus ‘in’ and be ‘over’ EVERYTHING in your life… including your handling your time, money and decisions? Is His Glory lighting up your whole world… inside and out? Why not give Him a try?
