Women’s Ministry: Living in the Light of God’s Love
“Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy.” Psalm 34:5
At our recent Women’s Retreat we considered ways to cultivate joy while walking with God, including creative endeavors, time in nature, laughter, friendships, and praise music. We had opportunities to experience all of these surrounded by the beauty of Carol Joy Holling. Reflecting back on that weekend, here are some thoughts I brought home with me.
We all experience hard time, gray shadows or darkness in our lives from time to time. In Psalm 34:5 we are reminded to see the Lord and radiance will result. Radiance is an expression of great happiness and hope. It is a glowing light shining from someone. If our hearts are lacking joy, we need to hydrate with God’s Word through prayer, Bible study and gratitude, reflecting on God’s gifts in our lives. Be in God’s presence!
We need to seek ways to bring light into our lives. God promises to be with us 24/7, so we should turn whatever is troubling us over to God.
Jesus is truly our “Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness”! We need to ask Him to be our guide and then follow Him. He knows our gifts and talents and will help us to use them to His glory, sharing the light as we serve others with Joy in our hearts. We will then radiate God’s love as we find our purpose and true happiness. This song by Graham Kendrick may be familiar to you. Reflect on some of the words.
Shine Jesus Shine
Lord, the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth You now bring us
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness
So our faces display Your likeness
Ever-changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story
Shine on me, shine on me
May we be transformed to reflect God’s glory, love and light through our service to God and others. Amen
This month’s devotion was written by Judy Olson, a member of the Women’s Ministry Team. Judy enjoys participating in various Bible studies, Martha Circle and SOLOS events. She serves at the Welcome Center and works with the Back Pack Program.
Judy was an elementary teacher in Lincoln Public Schools and taught preschool at First Lutheran while her children were small. She has two grown children, Lisa, who lives in Houston, Texas and Chris, who lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Judy is blessed with 3 grandchildren – Jonas, Macy and Mallory. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking in nature, watching sporting events, gardening, reading, and playing cards and Mahjong with friends.