The six verses of Psalm 37 are part of an acrostic, a mnemonic poem that begins with progressing letters of the Hebrew alphabet. One theme carries throughout, and the verses tend to build on one another, emphasizing the importance of looking at HIM instead of getting too caught up in what is happening around us. Boy, it’s hard to stay focused these days, isn’t it? But there’s a reward for those who commit to following and trusting Him instead of leaning on or becoming swept up in the world’s ways: He will make our righteousness shine like the dawn. As you likely already know, I’m a sunrise watcher. I never grow tired of seeing the change from dark to light as the sun peeks over the horizon. It seems that the first rays of morning light are the most glorious, because we’re coming out of the darkness of night. I want to shine like that. I want to be a ray that penetrates the darkness. I want those around me to see that Jesus makes a difference in my life. I imagine you have the same desires. We “shine” by trusting even in the hard times; we “shine” by seeking His will above our own. I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating—this world NEEDS to see Jesus in us. So shine, Christian, shine!