What’s Lighting Your Way?

What’s Lighting Your Way?

Are you feeling depleted? Does life seem uninspiring and hopeless? Is the light no longer lighting your way?

There’s no doubt some of you may be feeling burnt out or just plain worn out. For some time, many of us have allowed our current circumstances, others’ opinions, and our schedules to run our lives.

Unknowingly, we succumb to the noise around us. The loud, annoying noise that tells us we need more if we want to be the best, to be liked, or to prove our worth. More, more, more. And as we strive to achieve this feeling or to satisfy this need for more, we live life running to and from jobs, appointments, and events in our quest to feel accomplished. Unfortunately, we become so overwhelmed in our frantic efforts to do more, be more, and achieve more that we suffer emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.

In our pursuit for more, our focus is no longer on what matters most but is redirected to anything that will help us obtain the brass ring. And, the brass ring will look different to each of us – title, material items, or bank account. My question for you is whether the brass ring you’re reaching for is worth your health and wellness. Does this brass ring hold your happiness just above your reach? 

What are You Reaching For?

When we measure our value by our accumulated wealth or positions, we lose sight of what is truly important. And I believe the current state of our nation and the world is an indication of where our focus lies and what we are prioritizing today. Greed, conflict, and a lack of kindness flood the news, social media, and communities. Where are our values? What is driving us to make the choices we are making?

As I read the headlines or scroll through social media, I realize that we’ve forgotten the first and most important commandment of all: to love God and to love your neighbor.

“’Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’ Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 TPT

What Matters Most?

I want my life to be measured by the number of people I love. Why? Because the world desperately needs to know they matter, and they are loved. I want to know that I matter and that I am loved. I want my husband and my three sons to know every day that they are loved for who they are, not for what they do or how many possessions they have acquired. I pray each day that they know how much they are loved and that they matter most to me. Do the people around you believe they matter most to you?

Your words and actions convey the message of what matters most to you. Take a moment to reflect on your last few days. What did you place your attention on? Measure your screen time against the time you spend face-to-face with your family. How much time did you spend with God?

There’s a lot of noise in this world. What kind of sound are you making? Are you adding to the noise? I’m quite sure there’s enough pain and grief in this world, so why add to it? Why not use our words and actions to lift up someone? Psalm 98:4 tells us, “So go ahead, everyone, and shout out your praises with joy!” That’s some sound, yes? What if we shouted praise and joy to those around us each day? What would happen if we spread encouragement and positivity to those around us? Maybe then we’ll start to see real change.

What or Who is Influencing You?  

Over the past few weeks, we’ve emphasized the importance of protecting our thoughts and the messages that we allow to enter our minds. Garbage in, garbage out was the foundation of this discussion. So, knowing this, has anything changed for you? Have you redirected your attention, or do you continue to focus on the negative? Are you still listening to the adverse messages and the harmful noise that perpetuates pessimism? What are you gaining from the destructive clatter?

I recently caught a glimpse of a television show that showed a group of beautiful women enjoying what seemed to be a very glamorous lunch. Within seconds of watching the show, I was stunned by their conversation. Not one kind or edifying word was spoken by this group of women friends. My thoughts: Wow, with friends like this, who needs enemies? It saddened me to see these women, with so many resources and so much time (apparently, they had a lot of time on their hands, perhaps too much), do so little to improve the lives of those around them. They chose to use their gifts to tear each other down. I assume their words may have made them feel better about themselves for the time being, but I also believe the good feelings did not stay with them too long after. Pessimism breeds pessimism.

What messages are you picking up? Are they healthy and inspiring or harmful and exhausting? Are you spreading joy or negativity to those you meet?

Your answer to these questions is significant to your journey. Take a moment to reflect on what influences you. Is it worth your time and energy? Do your influences inspire you to use your gifts to serve and glorify God? Are you encouraged to make a difference?

The Desires of Your Heart

“For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.” Matthew 6:21 TPT

If you want to know about someone’s heart, take a look at their life (the behind-the-scenes life), their words, and their actions. Are they speaking life into others? Do they use their gifts to bless those around them? Are they making a difference in the lives of others?

We know from Matthew 6:21 that whatever we treasure – recognition, wealth, titles – our hearts will pursue. And, this, my friend, you cannot filter. Your priorities, words, and actions will reveal what you truly treasure in your heart.

Who Are You Serving?

“The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in! But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter!” Matthew 6:22-23 TPT

This week, I encourage you to reflect on these words and ask yourself, Are you serving light or darkness? What has your attention? Who are you allowing to run your life? What brass ring are you reaching for?

My friend, if you are serving darkness, allowing the negative noise to influence you, or hoping that a shiny brass ring will bring you happiness, I urge you to review the Scriptures in this post. Then, spend time in quiet reflection. Look up and seek God. Give Him your full attention. Share the concerns of your heart and ask Him to search your heart. Listen intently. He will shine the light and show you the way.

Keep on shining!

I am committed to helping you on your journey in any way possible. From September 2020 to December 2020, I will be offering pro bono coaching. If you are interested in free coaching, please send your interest via email to me at robin@revispyke.net, and we’ll discuss your goals and journey further.

Sending you love and light!

Image Credit by Reyni Ramirez Illustration & Design