Light
Anna Stodolak shines a light on God’s Word for us today. Her writing always encourages me. Ty Anna
Most of you know that I love including song lyrics that have a connection, in my devotionals . I have loved music since the late 50's and 60's when rock music was in its hey-day. Since then, my husband has introduced me to music that I never listened to. Some of these songs, like "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode, that I previously used in a devotional, I have come to really like. "Shine" by Collective Soul is one of these. This alternative rock song was released in the early 90s.
Collective Soul's "Shine" certainly echoes a spiritual theme and many listeners interpret it as a call for divine guidance. While the band didn't write the song with religious intentions, the symbolism comes across with biblical themes.
Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me, what will I find?
What will I find?
Lay me on the ground
And fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me, what will I find?
What will I find?
Chorus:
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Love is in the water
Love is in the air
Show me where to look
Tell me, will love be there?
Will love be there?
Teach me how to speak
Teach me how to share
Teach me where to go
Tell me, will love be there?
Will love be there
Chorus
Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me, what will I find?
What will I find
Lay me on the ground
And fly me to the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me, what will I find?
What will I find?
Chorus
I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
Heaven's little light gonna shine on me
Hey, yeah, hey, yeah
Heaven's little light gonna shine on me
Shine on me, yeah
Come on and shine
"Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down" are the words that I focused on in this song. Especially the word 'light'. Light is mentioned around 263 times in the bible (I looked that up). It is mentioned most in the book of Job (25 times) and Genesis chapter 1 (around 7 times). Light often symbolizes God's presence, truth, and guidance.
Think of verses like "Let your light so shine before men" (Matthew 5:16) or "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Light is one of the most powerful and recurring symbols and carries a deep spiritual meaning across both Old and New Testaments.
Genesis 1:3 - "Let there be light". This is the 1st creative act of God. It represents the introduction of order, goodness, and life into chaos.
Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation". Light is equated with protection and deliverance.
John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world". Jesus identifies Himself as the divine light.
John 1:4-5 - "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it". Christ brings truth and overcomes spiritual darkness.
Even 'Light' in the end times - Revelation 21:23 states: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." God's presence provides all the light needed.
In the Bible, light isn’t just a pretty image, it’s a huge theme. It shows up everywhere as a way of talking about who God is: good, trustworthy, and always guiding people forward. From the very first chapter of Genesis to the last pages of Revelation, light is basically God’s calling card. It’s how He brings hope into dark places, clears things up when life gets confusing, and reminds people that He’s right there with them.
Make it a Worshipping Wednesday! God is good …