Bible Love Notes: This Little Light of Mine

This devotion uses Scripture to show the wisdom in this simple children's song.

Did you sing this children's song in Sunday School?

“This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.” (Listen to it here: Let It Shine.)

Some claim it was written by African-American slaves hundreds of years ago. Others claim it was composed in the 1920s. Whoever wrote it, the lyrics are simple yet profound.

The song incorporates the biblical truths found in these and other verses:

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).” Ephesians 5:8-9 (See more context below.)

Thank you, Lord, for bringing us out from the darkness of human wisdom and sin!

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Show us, Lord, how to shine for Your glory, not our own.

Are we living “clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people,” holding firmly to God's Word? Philippians 2:14-16

Help us, Lord, to keep Your light burning in our lives, no matter how terrible the world becomes.

💛💛💛💛

For more encouragement, see How Can You Shine Today? and Whiners and Shiners.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:8-14

A great Christmas Gift Idea: