This song, "Glow in the Dark" by Jason Gray, has been on the radio for several months now. I find myself singing along and smiling every time I hear it. Not that all the lyrics are upbeat, because they aren't. The lyrics include difficult times, but the song resonates with me. It's a song that touches me. I've wanted to include it in my blog for a while now, but if you've noticed, I really haven't been blogging since I started preaching weekly. I keep telling myself I'll post my sermons, but then I'm working on the next week's sermon. Then I tell myself I'll make the time and post a blog post of a month's worth of sermons (watch out!). We'll see. For right now, for today, I'm going to post about "Glow in the Dark". Because that's all I have time to do. I have to spend some time tweaking tomorrow's sermon and finishing out a 10 page paper due on Monday.
As I listen to the song and reflect upon the lyrics, what catches my attention? Well, admittedly, I do think of those cool light sticks that glow in the dark, lightning bugs, and sparklers-- things that show their light in the dark. But that's not all that comes to mind as I hear the song. I recognize the places in me that have been broken, the dark places. When I am going through difficult times, I am encouraged to keep going. Whatever the past, whatever the present, I can be strong and stand firm, knowing that God loves me and God's love will shine in me and through me. God's love can and will radiate through me as I allow it to. And the beauty of allowing God's love to shine through brokenness is that is shines in ways we can't even imagine. I am reminded of light shining through broken glass or stained glass and the beauty of the light that radiates through. That is the light that can shine through as God's love radiates in and through each of our lives as we continue to walk the journey with the One who knows us and loves us.
As I read my morning devotion this morning (August 22) from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, these words went along with the theme for this song: "Refresh yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you. Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity. Trust Me, and don't be afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation." (p. 245)
Wherever you are on the journey today, may you find joy in the journey and if there is any darkness in your life, may you glow in the dark!
Debra
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"Glow in the Dark", Jason Gray, 2015.
Lyrics:
Sometimes the world feels like a mess
Full of drama, full of stress
And life puts a fist right in your ribs
You can hide if you choose to
And no one would even blame you
Or you can let them see how you deal with it
That even in the darkest place
His love can make you radiate
(chorus)
Doesn’t matter how deep, how dark the night is
Keep hoping, keep on shining
And they’ll see His light burning in your heart
And if the road gets rough, just keep your head up
Let the world see what you’re made of
That His love’s alive in your deepest parts
Like a flame, like a burning star you can shine right where you are
He made you to glow in the dark
Don’t be ashamed of your past
If you’re shattered like a piece of glass
The more broke you are the more the light gets through
Show your wounds and your flaws
Show them why you still need the cross
Let them see the work He’s doing in you
That even in the darkest place
His love can make you radiate
(chorus)
Doesn’t matter how deep, how dark the night is
Keep hoping, keep on shining
And they’ll see His light burning in your heart
And if the road gets rough, just keep your head up
Let the world see what you’re made of
That His love’s alive in your deepest parts
Like a flame, like a burning star you can shine right where you are
He made you to glow in the dark
(chorus)
Doesn’t matter how deep, how dark the night is
Keep hoping, keep on shining
And they’ll see His light burning in your heart
And if the road gets rough, just keep your head up
Let the world see what you’re made of
That His love’s alive in your deepest parts
Like a flame, like a burning star you can shine right where you are
He made you to glow in the dark
Glow in the dark
Doesn’t matter how
Glow in the dark
Doesn’t matter how
Music video:
