Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Marge Webb, Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotion was written by Marge Webb.

“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).

Shuffling down the mammoth cave with its steep, slippery slope, I suppose I felt both excitement and fear. The freezing temperatures and the long hike to the bottom were taxing on my five-year-old frame. When we finally reached our destination tour guides pointed out stalagmites and other cave features. But my most stark memory of this adventure was when they turned off all the lights. I’ve never in my 70 years experienced such utter blackness. This wasn’t the darkness of an unlit bedroom or the beauty of a starry night. It was literally pitch black. 

At times, this is how I see the world around me—utter darkness. People walking around with their eyes closed, oblivious to their true hope in Jesus. Since the Garden of Eden, people have lived in spiritual darkness. When this month’s theme of “Jesus in Me,” popped up, my mind turned to letting my light shine, which I pray to do daily.

When Jesus spoke the words “let your light shine” in Matthew 5, he was speaking to his disciples and to others who gathered to listen. They had heard an outstanding sermon that day, one of the finest Jesus ever preached. We call it the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus tells us that we are blessed when we are merciful, meek, and promote peace. He also tells us to be glad when people persecute us and insult us.

Letting our light shine amid persecution is difficult. When a spouse has addiction struggles, we don’t feel happy and shiny. When teenage children are rebellious, our glowing light can dim. Darkness closes in on us.

The lights finally came on in my childhood trip to Carlsbad Caverns, and an elevator provided a quick ride back to the surface. All was well. 

When we experience a season of difficulty, let’s keep our light shining. We can dispel the darkness, bringing hope to those around us with Christ’s love, life, and light. 

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.