Music Monday: “Shine on Us” by Phillips, Craig & Dean
By: Debbie Waltz
I’ve been compelled to take a slower pace and reflect over the last seven days. The thought of turning 46 and having my book come out in mere days is truly remarkable. Since its release, the book has garnered significant praise, yet its sales have fluctuated. I’ve been reminding myself that I’ve completed my work and that the rest is in God’s hands. It might be disheartening to have invested so much effort into this book and see such a small audience reached so far. But I’m being impatient.
But that’s marketing for you. You might spend a lot of time telling your story to people, but only make a few sales. I can’t let this get to me for many reasons. I will list just 3 for now:
- I have used my gift for God’s glory.
- I have fulfilled one of my purposes in life.
- My core identity lies in Christ, independent of my achievements. (Colossians 3:3)
This has prompted me to reflect on God’s faithfulness. During my college years, life felt uncomplicated, bolstered by a sense of eternal youth and the faith that God made all things possible. Over time, hardship and experience will chip away at this conviction. Therefore, it’s crucial to go back and remember.
I have been reading the devotional “His Princess Every Day: Letters from the King” daily this week. His “letters” serve as a powerful reminder, illuminating to whom I truly belong and how to live a godly life. He gently reminds us that our existence on this earthly plane is not permanent and that things are unfair because of sin. In the end, God will make all things right; we need only to trust in Him. But it’s still a choice…
Our choice!
We have been presented with a special chance to act as God’s representatives, spreading the gospel to a world in pain and disrepair. Our lives ought to be living demonstrations of the possibilities that exist with God. We should always be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15).
We should remember that it’s all Jesus…
Demonstrating an immeasurable love for all of humankind, Jesus willingly sacrificed his life as a substitute for ours, notwithstanding our ongoing state of sinfulness. (Romans 5:8)
Jesus, in His infinite grace, chose to bestow upon us what we do not rightfully deserve. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The song “Shine On Us” by Phillips, Craig & Dean serves as a powerful reminder to me that the presence of God is truly pervasive and can be found in all places. This also provides us with the comforting assurance that the Divine will protect us from circumstances that deviate from His plan. Through simple and calm melodies, I am reminded that I am not alone whenever comes and to keep my eyes focused on him. The song also reminded me of similar times, just sitting in chapel, worshiping God with my Christian friends and family. Because in the end. All Christians are one family.