Simmer: Meditate on God’s Word and then Praise

SIMMER

 

The word for Day 4 of #write28days is simmer. Yesterday the word was glow, and my title hinted about shining with light from above. In Matthew, the first New Testament book, he tells us to let our lights shine.

 

 

You may wonder what letting our lights shine has to do with the word simmer. Hear me out. I promise it will make sense as you continue to read.

 

Matthew 5:14-16(NASB)

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 

How do we shine our light if we are struggling hard to see light or hope in our own lives?

 

 

Yesterday I shared how the Bible can illuminate our paths and lead us in the right direction. I have read and studied the Bible for many years. Though I may not understand everything, I have found it to be helpful in my understanding of life.

 

II Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

 

This doesn’t mean I can just go to the Bible, find a passage to read and then everything automatically gets better. That might happen sometimes, but more than likely it won’t.

 

LET THE WORD OF GOD SIMMER

 

Just like soup tastes better when left to simmer on the stove to let the flavors blend, so it is with God’s word. When I sit with a passage of scripture, meditate on it and let it simmer, my mind is being renewed.

 

Romans 12:2 (CSB)

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

 

BE THANKFUL AND PRAISE GOD

 

As I spend time in the Bible, letting it seep into my soul, my relationship with God grows deeper. It makes me want to praise Him and give thanks for the blessings I have.

 

Even in hard times I can find ways to give thanks. There have been many times throughout the years I have seen God’s faithfulness in the dark times as well as the light.

 

Once, after a particularly hard day I went out on the porch. There, right in front of me, was a beautiful rainbow. Other times a friend has sent a song or a passage of scripture that brought cheer just when I needed it.

 

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

 

When I praise God, I begin to see more of His light, which enables me to share what I have learned with others. Through my words, photos, art and actions my light will shine.

 

Colossians 3:15-17 (CSB)

And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.

 

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

 

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

 

May God enable each of us to shine our lights even in our weakness. Let us use whatever talents and gifts He has given us. As we praise God together, we will be shining His Light.

 

What a blessing to encourage each other as we reach out in love!

 

I’m linking up with: #LMMLinkup , #InspireMeMonday

 

You can find other posts in my #write28days series by clicking HERE.

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