My mother loved her ‘soap operas’!   ‘The Guiding Light’, ‘Search for Tomorrow’, ‘The Secret Storm’, ‘As the World Turns’, and ‘Love of Life’, among others.  In my first church, The Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, New Jersey, I was the assistant pastor in a congregation of over 1500 members.  High-powered people, well-educated and wealthy were most.  I was scared much of the time.  In my mid-20’s, fresh out of seminary, it felt like a novice pastor who had no classes in how to deal with the upper-class!

One of the stars of ‘As the World Turns’ sang in our church choir.  Hank Forsythe was a charming and humble man.  Thirty two years as Dr. David Stewart on this my mother’s favorite soap opera.  On Saturday mornings, Dr. Stewart, I mean Hank(!) and I would meet in the church sanctuary where he would coach me on how to read effectively.  Talk about being scared!

Then a couple from ‘The Guiding Light’ wanted me to marry them in the church’s chapel.  They were super concerned that everything had to be perfect from the words ‘Dearly Beloved’ on!   I was shaking-in-my-boots!  For all the cast and crew would be in attendance watching them, and them alone I hoped!   As it turns out, something good happened–the wedding was lovely, the couple and all the guests most gracious;  and I got to take my mother to the set of ‘The Guiding Light’ in New York City!

Jesus says in John chapter 8 that He is the light of the world.  He’s the Son of God, the sun who lights the world; which, without Him, would reside in utter darkness.  He is our Guiding Light when we submit to Him.  No acting or reading of parts in His troupe.  Genuinely making Him Lord of our lives.  As we spend more time with Him, in His Word the Bible, He’ll give us more of His light.  His Guiding Light.  The fears will recede,  trust will grow.  The world may turn, secret storms hit our shores, as we search for tomorrow!  He’ll give us a love of life!

After all, Jesus Himself said, ‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'(John 8:12).  The old ‘soap opera’ show was cancelled years ago.  His Guiding Light never has… and never will!

Prayer:  Lord, shine your light of conviction in every nook and cranny of our lives.  Be our light in a dark world, now and forever.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.