When Jesus preaches the sermon on the mount in Matthew chapter 5, he says that we are the light of the world. He tells us not to hide this light, but to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your goods works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

As I was writing this song about shining your light, I thought about Paul and Silas when they were in prison. Even though they had just been severely flogged, they chose to pray and worship by singing hymns. They did this and in Acts chapter 16 verse 25, it says the other prisoners were listening to them. As I remembered the story, I realized this is what it looks like to shine your light. Even in the inner prison cell, the light they had inside them could not be denied by the darkness all around them. In this story, their light was expressed through prayer and worship. And in the midst of their song, the earth shook and their chains were loosed. Not just the chains holding Paul and Silas, but the chains holding every other prisoner as well.

This is what I believe; as we shine our light and sing out into the night, darkness will flee, spiritual chains will fall off of us and those around us, and we will find true freedom.

“Shine”

Lyrics:

Sing out into the night
Darkness cannot deny your light
Step out, lead now you’re ready to rise

Speak loud truth over lies
Let His love be your guide
Listen and don’t forget to be kind

Let your light shine x3

Don’t wait, now is the time
Have faith, He’s right by your side
You were born to be this bright

Let your light shine x3

Your voice may tremble, but chains will fall
Let your faith on fire break them all
Walls will crumble as you sing
May your declaration let His freedom ring

Let your light shine x3

Sing out into the night
Darkness cannot deny your light



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