Key Bible Verse: "We can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:9—16

A few years ago, I had to have arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear in my left knee. I'd been jogging for about 17 years. Finally, not stretching, running on the wrong surfaces, and not changing shoes as often as I should had taken their toll. I hated it—not the surgery but the lack of mobility that resulted. For weeks I had to spend time sitting still, going to physical therapy once a week, and performing painfully slow rehab exercises. Worst of all, I wasn't able to run for a long time.

The truth is, as I look back, I preached some of my best sermons that season of stillness and weakness. A desperately restless man is learning to be still and to know that God is God and that he is good. "It was good that I was afflicted of the Lord that I might learn to trust in him" (Psalm 119:71, paraphrased).

The direct correlation between how much time we spend studying, examining, meditating, and contemplating the beauty of Jesus and our experience of His love should be obvious to us, as it was to the apostle Paul. The more time we spend reflecting upon our Lord's glory, the more we'll become like Him.

My Response: Is my exposure to God direct enough to create a reflective glow?

Thought to Apply: You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is necessary. But the stars neither require nor demand it.