The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 19:7

If you’re a New Year’s Resolution kind of person, then during this week between Christmas and New Year’s Day you may be mulling over the changes you’d like to make in 2023 (still hard to believe another year has come and gone!). Perhaps you’ll write a list to post on your fridge or tuck away in a drawer. Maybe you’ve purchased a fresh journal in which you’ll decree your “to-dos” and “not-to-dos” for the year, with the intention to fill its pages with your 365-day journey. Or maybe you’re a “word-of-the-year” person—choosing a single word for 2023 to intentionally drive your thoughts, words, and actions.

Maybe, though, you think New Year’s Resolutions are for the birds, and January 1 is simply a flip of the digital calendar page. 

Whatever your perspective on one year’s end and another’s beginning, time is undeniably ticking for all of us—whether you’re 18 or 88. And life’s passage, dear friend, requires growth and development. In fact, as followers of Jesus Christ, we Christians are made to be transformed. At the moment of salvation (surrender to the work of Jesus on our behalf), we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17)—the old nature passes away as we are forgiven and set free from the shackles of sin. Then, our life task is to be continually conformed into the image of Christ, day by day. To progress in holiness and righteousness, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, as we walk through this life toward heavenly glory (Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). We are called to spiritual evolution. 

But how do we accomplish this? We have all the instruction we need in the Bible! God’s Word is a light to our path (Psalm 119:106), the bread of life (Matthew 4:4), the truth (John 17:7), purposeful (Isaiah 55:11), and eternal (Matthew 24:35; Isaiah 40:8). God’s Word teaches, corrects, and equips us (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). And that’s just the start. For a full description of the power of God’s Word, check out Psalm 119!

Reading and meditating on God’s Word keeps us focused on truth—it informs us who we are in Christ, what is right amid this upside-down world, how to keep from falling prey to the enemy’s schemes. God’s Word is powerful—in fact, “by the Word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Psalm 33:6). And it will convert, convict, console, and conform us. Most importantly, God’s Word keeps us from believing the pervasive cultural lies that constantly bombard us. Through reading and studying the Bible, our minds are renewed daily and stay clear, rather than being dulled and lulled into succumbing to wide path of worldly ways. It’s so much easier to go with the flow than to swim upstream. But God’s Word roots us in truth, strengthening us to stand firm and walk in wisdom, not as a fool.

So, for 2023, consider making a New Year’s evolution—a commitment to grow deeper in your faith and knowledge of God through the study of His Word. Day by day, plunge into the amazing Truths laid out for us from Genesis to Revelation. I promise, friend, whatever your personal vision for next year may be (or if you don’t do resolutions at all), if you consume the Daily Bread of the Bible each day, you will be changed for the better. And, if you haven’t yet experienced the freedom offered by Jesus Christ—reconciliation with God, forgiveness, and new life—why not make today that day? There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with an entirely new you.

Lord, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Thank You for clearly providing your pure and powerful Truths so I can walk in wisdom, live with righteousness, and experience Your peace.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

Luke 2:14

I can say with confidence that everyone who loves Christmas also loves Christmas carols. Don’t get me wrong, there are different levels of carol-loving. Some of my friends literally start cranking holiday tunes in October. (These are the same friends who are ecstatic when carols start playing at Home Depot and Big Lots around the same time, while the rest of us roll our eyes.) My dad would, without fail, start every day-after-Thanksgiving with classic carols beckoning us out of bed for tree trimming. Others don’t care to hear these familiar tunes until Christmas Day is a just few days away—you know, when they’re scrambling to “get into the Christmas spirit” with last-minute shopping and decorating.

And when thinking of those classic carols, who doesn’t love “Hark! The herald angels sing”? Written by Charles Wesley in 1739 and becoming a standard carol about 100 years later (1857), this popular carol is featured in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. No matter your age, its triumphant melody is one of the prevailing undercurrents of this season.

But, friend, did you realize that this song is more than its familiar tune and well-known verses? “Hark! The herald angels sing” is rock-solid theological truth—it is prophecy revealed, from Genesis to Revelation. It is the Biblically sound description of the Person and work of Jesus Christ, and clearly lays out the why behind His birth. If you want to know the real reason for the season, all you have to do is study this amazing hymn. Although I could spend thousands of words underscoring Biblical theology in each turn of phrase, I’ll just give some overview—but I hope it piques your interest to dive into your Bible and drink in the amazing truths in this song. (You’ll see “homework” Scripture for you to reference with each verse!)

The overarching theme of Wesley’s “Hymn for Christmas Day” (its original name) is simple: The redemption of mankind to glorify God. In the Garden, from Genesis 3, God declared His plan to reconcile us back to Him through a God-Man who would declare victory over Satan and death. God gave us clues (prophecy) throughout the Old Testament pointing to Jesus’s birth, life, sacrificial death, and saving resurrection…and Wesley points to many of these while he praises God for it all—and bids us to join along.

Again, there’s so much packed in each verse! But here are some highlights:

• Verse 1: Praise God with all of heaven—everyone—because Christ has been born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to reconcile God and sinners! (Luke 2:14)
• Verse 2: Jesus came to earth, fully God and fully Man, to dwell with us. He was, as Isaiah prophesied, born to a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14)
• Verse 3: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born to remove the curse of death, to raise us to new life in Him, to transform and renew us. (Isaiah 9:6; Malachi 4:2; John 1:4; Psalm 27:1; Philippians 2:7; Romans 6:4)
• Verse 4: This verse combines Garden prophesy of Christ’s birth (Gen 3:15) with Isaiah-to-Revelation prophecy when the time comes for all nations to bow, every tongue to confess, and the fallen world/nature to be perfected. (Haggai 2:7; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 3:17; Isaiah 65:25; Revelation 21-22; 2 Peter 3:13; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 4:13)
• Verse 5: We are all born into sin, but through Jesus we are transformed—from glory to glory—into the image of Christ. We are lost but are found in Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:45; Romans 5:12-18; John 3:16)

And, of course, there is every refrain that is shouted with joy between each verse—a beckoning for us to join all of heaven in celebrating God with us, the King of kings, our Savior: “Hark! The herald angels sing! Glory to the newborn King!”

Father God, may we never cease to focus on You this Christmas, giving glory and praise for the way of reconciliation You made through Jesus Christ—our Emmanuel.

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with jubilation; Come before Him with rejoicing. Know that the Lord [b]Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

Who doesn’t love the iconic Christmas movie, “Elf”? (Seriously, if you’re not a fan, you may want to consider getting some counseling.) For me, one of the most endearing things about the movie is the main character (Buddy the Elf) and his unabashed enthusiasm for all things Christmas (and, of course, for the four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup). There’s that one pinnacle scene in the department store when Buddy finds out that Santa will be there the next day. His response is beyond excited, as he shouts to everyone around him: “Santa! I know him!” 

This silly and heartwarming Christmas-staple movie is also a fitting illustration for living the Christian life. And it’s deeply convicting.

When we first come to know the love and forgiveness and saving grace of Jesus Christ, I can safely say we are all in—experiencing daily Buddy-like enthusiasm for all-things-Christian because our whole view of life has changed. Everything becomes “the best” because we are new creations in Christ, washed as white as snow in the blood of Christ, set free from the bondage of sin…the world around is truly something we discover anew with our fresh heavenly perspective (think of all the “bests” Buddy finds as he explores New York City).

Most obvious for new believers, is the sheer joy of knowing Jesus—as Savior and new best friend. I recall when I first surrendered to Christ, I was so excited to profess my love for the Lord to people around me. And when everything is spiritually sparkly new, it’s easy to identify God’s hand in it all and be thankful and overjoyed. But as time—and life’s challenges and tedium—rolls on, though, do we let that unabashed enthusiasm fade? Do we let the daily miracles become commonplace in our mind? Is our relationship with the Lord so “old hat” and mundane that it’s not the focus of every interaction and experience we have?

Friend, whether we’ve been walking with the Lord for 50 minutes or 50 years, let’s commit to recapturing that initial unabashed joy and enthusiasm for all-things-Jesus. This Christmas let’s put on our proverbial Buddy-the-Elf hat and look around with fresh eyes of childlike faith. Let’s embrace the reflection of God in everyone we come into contact with and every little (and big) miracle. Maybe, at some point this Christmas, we’ll even take the opportunity to shout to those around us, “Jesus! I know Him!” And then proceed to share the Good News of who He is and why He is so wonderful.

Lord, let my childlike wonder and joy for you never fade, but only grow deeper and more profound as I continue to walk with you through this life.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

John 14:15

I was listening to an amazing and very heady Christian podcast called “Just Thinking”—it’s very intellectually demanding and spirit-inspiring, not the kind you can casually listen to at the gym. Anyway, the topic was indwelling sin in believers, and at one point one of the hosts made an off-the-cuff comment that struck me as incredibly profound. He said that with regard to obedience to God, Christians have a tendency to live with some asterisks—exceptions made for them. Mic drop. He didn’t dwell on the topic…but I did.

As a professional writer, much of my work is very technical (writing marketing material for a global computer company, a data analytics company, and others). And pretty much every piece I write in this genre includes an asterisk statement or two. You know, you read the sentence, see the “*” and look down to the bottom of page for explanation. Usually, it’s denoting that the sentence you just read is sometimes true, but there are caveats when it’s not true or is not relevant or applicable.

When it comes to living according to God’s Word, do we live a life with asterisks? Do we read in Matthew 5:43-48, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and see an asterisk for ourselves? We may think, “Sure, Jesus said that to His audience, but that’s not applicable to me. He didn’t mean my neighbor/boss/government leader…that guy doesn’t deserve my love or prayers!” Or perhaps you know well that the Bible admonishes us to flee sexual immorality and that sex is designed only between a husband and wife (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). But c’mon (insert asterisk here), that’s so irrelevant today. You live with your boyfriend because it’s financially wise—and he said he’s going to propose at some point. And (this one’s a real stinger, friend) God’s Word is very clear about us not fearing or being anxious (Philippians 4:6-7; Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7; Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:15). Asterisk living says, “Yeah, but THIS situation is different—there are so many things to worry about! I’m so afraid!”

As Christians, we are called to be holy, set apart (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are to pursue righteousness—after all, we have been made righteous through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)! We cannot pursue or even tolerate sin (Ephesians 4:17-32). Don’t get me wrong, we will sin—we cannot be perfectly holy and righteous as long as we are in this fallen world with this fallen body. But we must constantly walk in the direction of holiness, aligned with God’s Word and His will. And when we do mess up, we know it, we’re convicted, we ask forgiveness, and we repent (turn the other way). This is sanctification. We cannot, however, intentionally insert an asterisk here and there because we choose to disobey—because we believe that commandment or directive is not true, not relevant, or not applicable for us. 

Friend, our holiness—our set-apartness—is when our light shines and we draw others to Jesus. Conversely, asterisk living makes us look more and more like the world. And if Christianity is just like the world, why would anyone want to give their life to Jesus?

Father, help me live each day in accordance with Your Word, not making exceptions or excuses for my sin.

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns. The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.”

Psalm 96:10

We hear a lot about “equity” these days. It’s a word that is thrown around a lot in culture, business, even church. But I’m not sure that everyone who jumps on the equity bandwagon truly understand the concept—it certainly is not a synonym for “equality” upon which freedom is based. And the terms are quite conflated in use. Simply put, “equality” means equal opportunity and “equity” connotes equal outcomes. 

Humanly speaking, equity is not possible when freedom and choice exist. If you give 10 children $10 each, every one of those kids will likely choose to do something different with the money. Some will save (with dissimilar goals in mind); one may buy some candy; one may spend some and save some; one may buy a single toy; another may go to the dollar store to get as many random items as possible with the full sum, just to spend it all. All 10 kids had equal opportunity, but the likelihood of equal outcome is improbable. Now, if you give that same $10 to those same 10 kids and dictate to them exactly what to do (e.g., save $5 and buy a specific $5 item), this is equity: equal outcomes by force or demand.^*

But with God, dear friend, there is equity in its truest, unadulterated form. He gives us freedom to choose in this life—equal opportunity—but there will be equal outcomes. At the end of our lives, He will judge us with equity (Psalm 96:10; 98:7-9).

Each and every one of us starts at the same place: We are born into this world separated from God, sinners who fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Because God is perfectly holy and righteous, He requires perfect holiness and righteousness of us (Leviticus 19:2; I Peter 1:16). And no matter how hard we try to check off religious boxes or ensure our “do good” list is longer than our “do bad” list, we cannot achieve sufficient righteousness (i.e., perfection) on our own. If we breathe our last in this state, having chosen to make every effort to redeem and save ourselves, there will be equity—equality of outcome. One little lie or a lifetime of murdering. Doesn’t matter. One outcome awaits: eternal pain, sorrow, and isolation (hell).

But there is another equitable outcome provided by our righteous and holy God: heaven—an eternity in His presence. See, regardless of the life you’ve lived up to this point (liar or murderer), the penalty for your sin has been paid, a way of reconciliation with God made. Jesus lived the perfect life we cannot, died to take on the wrath we deserve, and then rose again to conquer sin and death. By accepting this gift of grace through faith, Jesus exchanges our unrighteousness for His righteousness—we are redeemed, deemed perfect in the eyes of God through Jesus. Regardless of what we’ve done in the past, we can be forgiven and free to turn our lives around, loving God and others in response to His love for us. And it is this choice, friend, that brings eternal peace and joy.

Regardless of where you started in life or where you’ve been, there is spiritual equity. But unlike the concept of human equity, there is no demand, no forcing of outcomes. You have total freedom to choose your eternity: heaven or hell. And if you haven’t made your choice yet, won’t you accept the gift of salvation in Jesus today and solidify your eternal outcome?

God, You are holy, righteous, sovereign—I am not. Thank You for making a way for me, for saving me and reconciling me to Yourself through Jesus. 

^*Don’t misunderstand, I realize there are nuances in this discussion, but for the purposes of this spiritual illustration, the above basics will suffice.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have given over our heavy yoke of sin to Him—trading our burden for His light yoke of righteousness (Galatians 5:1). This exchange is one of the many amazing joys of salvation (admitting our sin, repenting, and surrendering to the Lord). 

So, as the world around us becomes darker and more evil—truly spiritually heavier—we must be intentional about what weight we’re going to carry. Even though we have relinquished our burden of sin to the Lord, and we are new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are still carrying this body of sin (as the Apostle Paul beautifully describes in Romans 7). In other words, until we are in our glorified body, our new nature will be battling against our flesh. If that wasn’t enough, because we’re still in the world, we also battle against the enemy—Satan—as this world is his temporary dominion (Ephesians 6:12). He makes valiant efforts every day to keep unbelievers separated from God and believers living outside of God’s will.

The weight of the world is heavy, friend. And it’s only going to get darker and heavier—the Bible makes that very clear. (Don’t fret! We know the how it all ends—we win!) In the meantime, we have a choice about which weight we carry through this life (until He takes us Home by rapture or death). What is our choice?

We can carry the weight of the world, or we can carry the weight of the Word. 

Do you wake up each morning to open up your phone and check the news or see how many likes you gained overnight on your social media platforms? Or do you grab a cup of coffee or tea and open up God’s Word to learn more about Him and how you are to walk through this world as His follower? Does the political and cultural chaos and “upside-down-ness” create anxiety and anger—able to ruin your day with one headline? Or do you meditate on what the Bible has to say, experiencing conviction to realign your life or gaining deeper understanding of Truth? Do your daily conversations stir up divisiveness? Or do you speak Truth with others, reflecting the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus?

Yes, as believers, we have given our heavy yoke of sin and eternal death to Jesus…but we must all carry a weight while we are on our way to heaven. The weight of the world is depressing, dividing, anger-provoking, destructive. Yet, so many of us make a daily decision to pick it up each morning. The weight of the Word, however, is only and always for our good. Although it can be sharp and painful at times (as we all need some redirection and conviction regularly), God’s Word brings guidance, joy, peace, and hope. 

Choose this day which weight you’ll carry. One is meant to destroy you, the other brings light and life (Psalm 119). So, pick up your Bible and choose freedom (John 8:32; James 1:25).

Lord, forgive me for taking my attention off of You and Your Truth to focus on the heaviness of the world. Every day, let me seek You first—and all day—carrying Your word, not the world.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

In your quest for true refreshment, here is part 3… 

3. UNBURDEN YOURSELF WITH JESUS.

Friend, the weight of the world is heavy. It’s so easy to be burdened by a to-do list and the daily demands on us. To be pressed by trying to do and be “good enough”—desiring the accolades and “atta girls/boys” from others, and even from God. 

Oh, trying to carry it all ourselves…the worry, the anxiety, the must-dos, the fears, the perfection…it is not only a burdensome yoke. It will ultimately crush us.

But Jesus beckons us…

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”   

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. He wants us to surrender our heavy burdens of this world and give them over to Him. 

See, we do, and we try, and we strive…to earn our way to heaven, to save ourselves. But these efforts are endless, and they are fruitless. But there is respite. A way to throw off that yoke around our neck. Jesus invites us to make a trade—a Great Exchange. Our yoke for His. Shackles for freedom.

Jesus has done the work, sweet friend. He has suffered the penalty and paid the price of our sin, making a way of reconciliation with God. He has freed us from the endless self-effort of self-salvation that, despite it all, can never be enough, because God requires perfection. 

But all we have to do is accept the Exchange. 

Christmas is coming. You know when you get a gift that is not really your thing, or maybe you have the exact item already, but there’s a gift receipt with it…and so you go to Kohl’s or wherever, and use that gift receipt to exchange the gift for something that you really love and need…this is kinda like that, only a gazillion times better.

Jesus has already paid for this gift of salvation—freedom from the burden of this world and of our sin. It’s a gift of grace—it doesn’t cost you anything. But you do have to make the exchange—returning, so to speak, what you’re holding onto. You’ve got to give HIM all your efforts, the sin, and the world’s lies you’ve bought into.

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 3:19

The grace of God through Jesus Christ is true refreshment. Maybe you’ve made this Great Exchange, accepting the gift of salvation…but, for whatever reason you’re still clinging to the old things as well—and it’s burdening you. Let go of that yoke—and stop trying to take it back from Him.

Or maybe you’re reading this, and you’re living under the crushing weight of a yoke, a burden that you didn’t know you could abandon. Oh, friend, you don’t have to carry it anymore. All you have to do is acknowledge that you want to make the Exchange…that you want to trade your burdens, your sin, your unrighteousness for the freedom that Jesus offers. Give it to Him and accept the free gift of His righteousness, paid for in full, so you can be free and your soul can find rest.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.

Revelation 22:17

Lord, let there be just one who, right now, will surrender their heavy-laden burden for gift of freedom in Christ. Let them surrender and come to You. 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Seeking true refreshment for your soul? Here is part 2 of the answer…

2. NOURISH YOURSELF WITH GOD’S WORD.

Just as our physical body needs both water and food to survive and thrive, so does our spirit. Once we surrender to Jesus, accepting the free gift of salvation, we are made new in Him…but we’re still in this world and wrapped in this fallen, sinful body. And, friend, the world is continually force-feeding us some serious junk food…the lies of media, the perversion of culture, the warped sense of “reality” through social media.

So, we must ingest the Truth of God on a regular basis—our daily bread. We don’t eat food just once a week, right? We need the Word every single day. And I can guarantee we don’t go a whole day without checking Instagram or Facebook or turning on the news—right? As we feed on those things of the world, they’re creating in us a famine, malnourishing and poisoning us.

But God’s Word truly nourishes—our mind, our heart, our spirit. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 19:7-8

His Word gives us life (Matthew 4:4). His Words are spirit and life (John 6:63).Knowing and following God’s Word is the only way to navigate this world and walk in the direction of obedience toward eternity. God’s Word teaches us, corrects us, trains us, equips us (2 Timothy 3:16). Especially as the “norms” and “truths” of this world shift so quickly, and right becomes wrong and wrong is right. We have to stand firm on His Truth, or we will fall for anything. God’s Word is our light in an ever-darkening world. And, as Paul tells us in Ephesians, the Word is also our sword (our weapon) against the enemy and his hissing lies.

And as we nourish ourselves with God’s Word, spending intentional, daily time in it, we get to know the Lord better and better—and we come to a deeper and deeper understanding of His love for us. We are filled up by the Truth of who we are in Him, satisfied in this fact…and, like when you finish up an amazing meal and you’re completely happily stuffed, when we’re satiated with Truth, there’s no room for lies.

Lord, thank You for Your Word—a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, nourishment for my soul.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Psalm 42:1-2

It used to be when you asked someone how they were doing, the pat answer was, “fine”—no matter what was going on. The past few years, however, that standard go-to answer seems to have changed. There are 2 versions I hear a lot…and I bet you hear them to. (I bet, like me, you SAY them!) What are they? (1) “Tired” and (2) “Busy”.

Maybe you’re a wife and mom managing a frenetic household; a single woman juggling crazy work pressures, friendships, and a desire to serve the Lord; a son or daughter caring for an aging parent; newly single…newly widowed…newlywed.

The craziness of life can be overwhelming (whether the craziness is around us—or in us)! We are busy, and we are tired. We long to refresh. Some of us choose a hot bubble-bath soak. For others, it’s a quiet walk on the beach—or a hardcore workout. Maybe you’re a spa girl. Regardless of our go-to activity, we all have our ideal ways to refresh (even if this “refreshing” doesn’t make your to-do list very often). These can be good. But none will last.

Do you want to find deep, truly soul-level restoration? I want to share three ways to do just that. To get refreshment that goes deeper than a two-hour massage, that’s richer than the most decadent chocolate cake, that’s more nourishing than that succulent hydrofacial.

1. QUENCH YOUR THIRSTY SOUL WITH THE LORD.

Friend, God created us with a thirst for Him—a God-shaped craving.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Psalm 42:1-2).

Oh, and we try so desperately to quench that craving with things of this world, don’t we? Relationships, buying stuff, busyness, sex, alcohol, drugs…maybe even Christian service (um, that’s for all us Marthas out there). But although there may be a temporary satisfaction, it never lasts. In fact, often the result is a frenzied greed for more and more in efforts to fill up…while the actual void remains. Our soul and flesh yearn for God.

God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and exhausted land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1).

And because He created us with this thirst, this God-shaped vessel, He made a way of quenching and satisfaction. He gave us Living Water—Jesus. 

As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, He tells us: “Ask Me, and I will give you Living Water. Whoever drinks of the water that I will give shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give will become a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

Jesus is Life—He is life-giving. Accepting this invitation to drink of Him is the only way to quench our deep thirst. And like a cold glass of water on a hot day, there is a refreshing…but more than that, there is total renewal and true satisfaction. Not just at salvation, but ongoing through our lives as Christians. We must intentionally partake of Jesus! Martha’s sister, Mary, understood this, didn’t she? She sat at the feet of Jesus and drank in His presence and His words. And although Martha was running around serving Jesus and His people, it was Mary, Jesus said, who chose the better thing (Luke 10).

I am so thirsty, Lord. May I sit at Your feet to be filled and satisfied by You alone.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

One of the many (many) things I love about living in Florida is the presence of all the fruit trees randomly growing in people’s yards—oranges, lemons, limes, and other interesting citrus types I’ve never seen before. (As I write this, my mouth is watering in anticipation of the oranges ripening on our neighbor’s tree, which hangs over our fence…so those oranges are technically ours, am I right? Actually, these particular neighbors don’t like citrus, so all the fruit from their three citrus trees will be ours, but I digress.)

Why are these fruit trees so prevalent in sunny Florida? Well, they require full sun (6-8 hours/day) to flourish. Even a few too many hours of shade can negatively impact the rate of growth, fruiting potential, and cold resilience of the trees. Light is essential.

This is a beautiful analogy for believers. All people are born into darkness—all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Not only are we in darkness and of the darkness, we are darkness (Ephesians 5:8). But, by accepting the amazing gift of grace provided by Jesus—the Light of the world— He rescues us from the darkness (Colossians 1:13; John 8:12; 1 Peter 2:9). We move into in the Light, become of the Light…we are Light (Ephesians 5:8). 

And, as a result of this surrender to salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live in us, so that we have the power to live out our new reality…we produce fruit (Ephesians 5:9). Not lemons and limes, but love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We live fruity lives—not to earn God’s grace and love, but in response to it. 

But friend, like those luscious trees, we cannot produce this fruit without exposure to Light! Those trees need to be in the sun, and we need to be in the Son. And although we are in the Light and of the Light once saved, fruit is not automatically produced! We have to maintain daily “Son exposure”—we have to spend time with Him (He is the Light) and in His Word—it is light to us (Psalm 119:105). Moreover, also analogous to fruit trees, we cannot risk exposure to the darkness. Participating in the darkness (sin) of our old life, will—like with the tree—negatively impact our growth in the Lord, our fruiting potential, and our resilience to the attacks of the world and Satan (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 22:24-25; Ephesians 5:11). Light is essential.

One more fact about those delicious fruit trees: if they don’t have any sun, they will die. Friend, the same is true of us. If we don’t have the Son—Jesus Christ—we will surely die (Romans 6:23). What about you? Are you living in the darkness right now? Won’t you step into the Light of Jesus, repenting and accepting the free gift of salvation and reconciliation with God? I promise, your soul will flourish. If you are already a believer, how fruity is your life? If you’re not producing the kind of fruit you want, be intentional about spending sweet time basking in the Son and nourishing your soul with the light of God’s Word.

Lord, You are the Light of the world. If anyone reading this has the weight of darkness upon them, turn their heart toward You and transform them from darkness to light, giving them everlasting life in You.