The Upper Room Devotional – 22nd January 2026, Thursday Message
You Are Shining
Teresa Milsap (Mississippi, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 5:13-16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
While I was taking care of a patient one day, he said to me, “You are shining in this place.” I looked at him in awe. Every day I prayed that Jesus Christ’s light would shine through me so that others would see him. This patient had no idea that this was my prayer, but his comment felt like confirmation that God had heard me and answered my prayer. After hearing his words, I felt the joy of knowing that God had worked through me.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel . . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We live in a world that is filled with darkness, and as Christians we are to show others the way to Jesus. We are to represent Christ wherever we are. That day I realized that no matter our circumstances we can be the light of Jesus Christ, brightening the places where we find ourselves.
Thought for the Day
Jesus’ light shines through me to others when I focus on him.
Prayer Focus
Health care workers
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, may your light shine in us so that others can see you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 22nd January 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More