Shine Bright! – by Alicia Briscoe

 “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1

The scripture above is one of my favorites and a reminder of how we are to show up in the earth. It gives us permission to be radiant despite spiritual depression. The dictionary defines Radiant as “sending out light; shining or glowing brightly.” The bible dictionary defines Radiant as (Nahar, "to sparkle" i.e. (figurative) be cheerful; hence (from the sheen of a running stream), to flow, i.e. (figurative) assemble; flow (together), be lightened).

 

Have you ever met people who illuminate light to others? Do others consider you that person. They might not be the most successful people — in fact, they are often very humble. It is something that comes natural for them because they are a genuine person. They are not afraid to be themselves, truly as they are inside, and to show the world exactly who they are. I don’t know about you, but I strive to be this type of person and show up as such in life.

As one who been challenged with depression throughout life, I was missing something vital to my existence – an intimate relationship with God. I had no idea who I was, why I was, and what I possess within, until I surrendered my entire being to Him. I longed to understand and meet the “Me” He created me to be. I learned that depression was a spirit of darkness designed to keep you bound and that I have power and authority over it. As I began to trust God’s word and grow in relationship with Him, His light began to luminate me. This light gives me the confidence and assurance that I am not alone. It gives me a better perspective on my affairs with others and life in general.

 

Let me just say that darkness is for lying down; light is for rising. When we receive God’s light upon us, we are held to a standard to arise and shine bright. I am convinced this is the evidence of being in His likeness and image. (Genesis 1:26) In John 8:12 Jesus says He is the light of the world and those that follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. I encourage you to be the light of the world and shine bright!