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Shine Anyway

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

Isaiah 60:1

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Psalm 37:5–6

Imagine a cloudy day where the sun is completely hidden behind thick, gray skies. You may not see it, but the sun is still shining with all its power above the clouds. Its light pierces through eventually, warming the earth and restoring clarity. In the same way, life’s challenges can cloud your vision—disappointments, setbacks, injustices, or fears may try to block your light. But God’s Word reminds us: the glory of the Lord has already risen upon us. We are called to shine anyway, not because conditions are perfect, but because God has promised His light will break through.

Isaiah 60 belongs to what scholars call Third Isaiah (chapters 56–66), written for a post-exilic community returning from Babylon. Jerusalem was in ruins, the people were discouraged, and their future seemed uncertain. Into this despair, the prophet proclaims a word of hope: “Arise, shine, for your light has come.”  Essentially, Isaiah is exclaiming to the people and to us today to Shine Anyway!

Shine through Adversity
When people misunderstand you, when systems seem stacked against you, or when progress feels slow, choose to shine anyway. Your light is not dependent on the approval of others but on the presence of God in you.

Shine through Trust
Psalm 37:5–6 assures us that when we commit our way to the Lord, He brings forth our justice like the noonday sun. Trust that God will vindicate you. Even if your good works go unseen for a season, God is working behind the clouds.

Shine through Service
Light is not meant to be hidden. Shine by showing kindness, speaking truth, creating justice, and spreading hope. Every act of faith is a spark that pushes back darkness in this world.

Shine through Resilience
The command is simple: Arise, shine. Not when the storm passes, not when life feels easier…shine anyway. Your resilience testifies that God’s light is greater than life’s shadows.

Let’s Reflect

What are the clouds in your life right now? Are they doubt, fear, injustice, or discouragement? Picture the sun hidden behind them. Hear God whisper: “Shine anyway. My glory has risen upon you.”

Prayer

Gracious God,

Thank You for being our light and salvation. When life feels heavy, help us to rise anyway. When clouds of discouragement cover our vision, remind us that Your glory still shines within us. Strengthen our faith to trust You fully, knowing You will bring forth our righteousness like the dawn. Empower us to shine in love, shine in service, and shine in resilience, so that others may see Your goodness through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On the Bright Side,

Rev. Sondrea L. Tolbert

Executive Director/CEO

**Image credit: Ability Ministry.