Stars and Distractions: 3 Ways to Let Your Light Shine

Stars and Distractions: 3 Ways to Let Your Light Shine

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…” Ephesians 5:8

The stars are always present. They are there, 24/7. In day, we cannot see them. It is not their time. But at night, they are light to those stuck in the darkness. The biggest shame is when their light is blocked.

I remember in 3rd grade, trying to find constellations when studying the stars in class. I had to go outside city limits to clearly see their splendor. I could watch those stars for hours, finding constellations, making my own, lost in the expanse of sky. But the interesting thing I realized is that they continually look down on us; during day, when the sun reigns, as well as night, when the lights of the city overpower them. However, we allow artificial light to shine “brighter”. When these lights, whether they be lights from buildings, the streets, our phones, or flashlights are put to rest, the stars become visible. Their beauty becomes apparent and undeniable; a million times more than was thought possible.

Life is a lot like star gazing. To see, truly see, you must turn off all other distractions. Tuning out the noise, ignoring the things that sidetrack us, we can see. The eternity of a star blows my mind. The batteries in a flashlight will deplete. Our phones run out of battery. Buildings run low on power. Yet, at the end of the day, a star is still there. And, even when the star is done and at the end of its life, its death creates a new one! Its entire life is lived according to a purpose, even in death. Its legacy of light continues in the fresh star.

Not only is life like star gazing, but we are called to be star-like. I pray that God molds me into a star He can be proud of. When we decide to push past fears, anxieties, insecurities, and failure (the distractions), we shine as bright as those stars. The reason we do is because it no longer is our faint selves, it is God shining through us.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

When we let go of worries and let God take control, our light becomes apparent. We are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). In this way, not only can we shine, but others can shine with us. The light is contagious, as long as we spread it.

How do we spread that light? Here are a few ways.

1. Pray, pray, pray!
Prayer has a tendency to be underestimated in not only our daily lives, but in the church (another post for another time). There is so much power in prayer. It is a conversation with our Creator and Father, who listens to us constantly. It is a truly beautiful gift. Prayer allows us to align our hearts and desires with those of God, and can help us shine as a light for Him.

2. Hang out.
I have never accomplished something of importance in my life without accountability. Talking to someone about your distractions can help you handle them. I’ve found at times that my friends and family have said the one thing I realized later God wanted me to hear. Fellowship, relationships, family, friends, these are all invaluable.

3. Read the love letter.
The Bible is God’s love letter to us. He wrote it for us, and it is full of His passion for creation. In Sunday school, we were taught to “read your Bible and pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow.” As elementary as that sounds, it rings with truth. The Bible is not only a love letter, it is an instruction booklet to us of how to live. Shining bright is directly in accordance to living by the Truth. Living as the “light of the earth” is inspiring. Remember, dare to inspire others, shine bright, and find a way to have them shine just as brightly with you.

“You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16)

My name is Nikki Olsen, I’m from Alaska, and am a student-athlete at Whitworth University. Although I am studying biochemistry and Spanish, I’ve always had a love for writing and a desire to use it by sharing with others about God. My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11- ‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
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