Matthew 5:14 - A City Set On A Hill
Step 1: Pray. Select.
Today, as I sat down to write, I was thinking about the fragrance or the light we all give off the longer we walk closer to the Lord. I began to search the Bible for what it says about inner radiance and confidence that shines brightly from the inside out.
As I came across Matthew 5:14-16, I felt the Holy Spirit encompass my thoughts like a warm blanket. Matthew 5:14 stood out especially strongly. This is where I began my journey today, friends.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
Matthew 5:14 - “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, you are a city set on a hill.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
As I meditate on my sentence for today, I think of everything a city comprises and why the Holy Spirit is guiding me to focus on this particular word used in the text.
When I looked up what a city consists of, I found it generally has people, places, systems, and services, and usually has some sort of governing body—all working together to meet the needs of those who occupy it. There are so many moving parts to being a functional city.
I ponder the text a bit further. So, what does this mean - I am a city?
Cities take time to be built. We start by creating one area and then work outward from there. This is a perfect reflection of my faith journey with the LORD. Life has thrown me challenges, and sometimes it feels like it has taken forever for me to land in a place of comfort with the Lord. Sometimes I am in the very beginning stages of being built. However, with every brick laid this time, the Lord is guiding me as my governing party. The more I am here, seeking more of Him, the more I am expanding and building on the rock on high. I am strong and sturdy. Even though I am not perfect, I no longer need to dwell in caves out of fear. I do not need to apologize for being a work in progress. I do not need to seek a hidden valley for shelter from predators since my enemies can't touch this sacred place on high. I can finally build boldly and strongly out in the open for the whole world to see. I can be excited about our successes and failures because no matter what, I am closer to building towards what the Lord envisions. I am starting at the top; the only place to go is up. The more I dwell within this city that the LORD has placed me in to expand, the more light it gives off.
Eventually, others from the valleys and the dark places will seek refuge at this place. As they travel to seek the city like moths to a flame, they will go from visitors recovering from the darkness in the world, to kindness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and faithfulness. All the fruits of the Spirit are the ingredients upon which the city is built.
Once strong enough, those who once were lost below will venture off and prayerfully have the Lord set them in a high place all of their own. They might even be your neighbor. And they will welcome the next souls that need replenishing.
I have a question for the Holy Spirit and the beautiful vision he has shown me, so I move to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, you are placing me in a place to build. However, this feels very vulnerable. How do I find comfort living in a new, unfamiliar territory and being exposed rather than hiding? Do you understand my feelings?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
"I understand. I don't know if you see how vulnerable I have been with you. Look at the Bible. There are so many stories of people rejecting me, worshiping other idols, and accusing my own flesh of blasphemy. For what? All I have ever done is want to give love and be loved. I have walked your walk. It is difficult, but it is bigger than you. In every story, moment, and memory of your life, I have been there even before you were on earth. I now command you to walk. I command you to shed the old so I can make you new. I command you to build so others can be saved. Trust me, I am building you in a safe place because every knee must bow where I dwell. This is between you and me, and what I build will illuminate beyond what the eye can see."
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus.
Thank you for showing me the possibilities of what I can build under your governance, a city that is a beacon of light. I understand this is bigger than me, so let me set my fears aside, go forward encouraged, allow others to witness my journey, and be excited about your work and what the city will produce. Let me pray for those still stuck in a valley or a dark place, and let them look up to see the city you are building and recognize the light that shines to give them hope for their future.
I ask you to keep me on the path of the straight and narrow. Let me not worry about how fast I am building or what anybody thinks, but stay under your cover and refuge as we resurrect a vision that you've had in store.
In Jesus Christ's holy name, I pray. Amen.
If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, be patient with yourselves and one another. You are here seeking the Lord, and he will give you rest while you detox from the dark places and replenish your body with the light.
Join others who have gone before you and find comfort in fellowship so you can see what the Lord is doing in every one of those who seek him. Like a seed, he will pick you up and plant you on high, expanding his kingdom for others to take refuge until they are planted on their very own hill.
There is plenty of land to be claimed, and don't be ashamed of the process. It is beautiful and gives hope for others to heal as you allow those stuck in the valleys to witness the journey that healed you.
God bless you! See you soon.
