One day I saw a young woman whom I remembered as being one of the most glowing, fervent Christians I had ever seen. Now, perhaps the best word to describe her was "downtrodden." She confessed to me that, yes, she had lost her zeal for the Lord and hadn't been sleeping well. "I used to be so on fire for Him, she said. "Now I feel so oppressed. People walk all over me, and I lie awake wondering why."

Several days later I read an amazing thing in the book of Matthew. There, Jesus predicted that those who lose their "saltiness" would be "trodden underfoot by men!" In other words, they'd feel "walked all over" just as she did.

Jesus offered hope in the situation as He said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV).

If you are distressed tonight because you, too, have lost your "saltiness" and feel "walked all over," know that the Lord wants to restore you once again to be His light. It's never too late, with His help, to shine again!

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me another chance to rise and shine for You. Forgive my apathy and coldness and restore the sweet, fervent fellowship we once had. Grant me a double anointing of joy and enthusiasm with which to get off to a fresh, bright start. How I look forward to being filled once more to overflowing! In Jesus Name, Amen.