One of the first things I do in the morning is open the blinds. It’s still dark outside, but I know that the sun will soon shine over the field of winter wheat and make its appearance above the trees. My eyes like the whisper of low light in the mornings instead of the glaring shout of bright overhead light. One lamp in the corner of the room is enough until the sun finds its way through the windows. The natural light dispels the shadows in a way that pleases my senses.
Recently, someone made a hurtful comment to one of my family members. As I listened to my loved one tell the story, I felt the fist of anger tighten in my mind. Thoughts swirled around in what I knew would end up in the crockpot corner of my brain where my fallen nature would simmer at war with the Spirit.
I asked the Lord to forgive me for the sudden onrush of emotion, for I’ve learned that I cannot serve or bring Him glory with thoughts that operate counter to His wisdom. However, one critical piece was still missing. It wasn’t enough for me to just ask God to forgive my anger. I must also grant forgiveness to the one who made the remark. The righteous “Mama Grizzly” component in my character didn’t feel able. Yet, just as the morning light breaks through the darkness, I knew all I had to do was raise the blinds of my heart and let God’s Spirit dispel the shadows that lingered. His light revealed the truth my mind knew, but had not been ready to embrace. My sins, graciously forgiven by Him, came into view. His truth, along with the expectations Jesus has of me, were brought into sharp relief. This was the light of His doing, not something I produced.
The presence of Jesus in us (the Holy Spirit) is able to do more than we can do by ourselves. He works within us when we raise the blinds of our heart to Him and release the grip we have on the things which create shadows. His light enters willing hearts, bringing truth, conviction and healing. With the blinds of our hearts lifted high, His light can shine into every corner of our character, placing us in readiness to do all that He calls us to do.
Open the blinds of your heart to Jesus. Allow His light to dispel the shadows and illuminate the darkness.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36 (NIV)
See also Matthew 18:23-35.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janey Dalrymple is a wife, home-school mom and Women’s Ministry Leader at Next Step Church, Aylett. She is thankful to be a new creation in Jesus! Writing for the Lord is her oxygen, and her passion is to creatively teach God’s word. She has taught leadership and team skills in different venues but now loves to help women grow in their relationship with Christ. Visit her at liveyourmissionblog.com
