November 13, 2025 Devo

The government shutdown has been hard on a lot of people, and it’s felt like a dark and difficult time. I think it’s sometimes easy to become negative and cynical in times like this. But what’s been interesting to me is how many “bright lights” I’ve seen in the midst of it all. Some stores have set up “donate or feel free to take” food displays so people can share or find some needed food for their families. There have been other people who have put food out in front of their homes on tables, inviting their neighbors to help themselves to what they need. As a pastor, I’ve had several people in our church ask me how they can help those who might be hurting or need help.
I thought about all these people when I read the words from our psalm today, “generous, compassionate, and righteous.” Those stores were under no obligation to help. Those neighbors owed nothing to the neighbors around them. And our people could have just hunkered down and taken care of their own families. But they didn’t. They decided to help. They decided not to give in to the darkness. They decided that instead of becoming one more voice in a complaining crowd that did nothing, they would do more than just “care.” They decided to “share.” And there are MANY who are grateful for these generous souls.
“Our light shines the brightest in the darkest places.” Think about that quote for a minute. And think about the opportunity that goes with it. Jesus said that we, as His disciples, are “the light of the world.” Maybe that’s why He puts us in jobs where we are surrounded by people with foul mouths and lost souls. Where else will they be exposed to the light of God except through us? Maybe it’s why we sometimes find ourselves living in neighborhoods where few people share our values and ethics. How else will they know that there is a different and better way to live if we don’t show them?
Maybe instead of complaining about the dark times, we ought to focus on being the lights of hope. Maybe instead of despising the dark places we sometimes work or live in, we ought to be thanking God for an amazing opportunity to shine. The Apostle Paul told the Philippians that because he was in chains in jail, the whole Roman guard had heard about the gospel! He didn’t run from the darkness. He embraced it. And he turned what many would call a “misery” into a “ministry.” Boom!
Is it dark where you are? Maybe this is your God-given moment to be who God has called you to be. Remember what the psalmist said. Be “generous, compassionate, and righteous.” In other words, SHINE! That’s God’s Word for you today.