Day 1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
David was a warrior, he knew fear. Listen to how he views God. He views Him as light, salvation, and strength. David understands that the battle in front of him is not his only battle. He also battles sin and darkness, evil and fear itself.
God has provided David with everything he needs to fight both the physical and spiritual battles. Light, salvation, and strength.
Take a moment to reflect today. What is it you fear? What has God provided for you in order to deliver you from those fears?
“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears” Rudyard Kipling
Day 2
“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9)
God is life. He is the creator of all life. From the day He spoke into the darkness and created the light to the moment He knew you in your mother’s womb, it was His plan to provide for you eternal life. A life spent in His presence.
Due to the sin that entered the world and the darkness we are forced to live in, we are always seeking the light. The light of our creator. We long to connect to the spiritual being we were meant to dwell in perfect harmony with.
Truth, peace, joy, and love only come from God and our faith in Him. It is only when seeking Him that we are able to embrace such goodness and light.
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light” Plato
Day 3
“For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28)
My study on light began with my fear of the dark and a flashlight. We live out away from city lights and it gets very dark out here. I needed to run out to the barn and it was well after the glow of the sun had disappeared. I made my husband come with me. Of course, he has a large and powerful flashlight that completely illuminated the backyard.
That experience shined on my own darkness as well.
David isn’t speaking of physical darkness in this verse. He is writing about a more abstract darkness. The darkness of fear, insecurities, anxiety, confusion, sin, and disconnect with God.
Only God can light your lamp. It is His truth alone that can chase away your fears, enlighten your path, and purge you from your hidden (and not so hidden) sins.
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” John 1:5
Day 4
“He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” (Psalm 37:6)
This verse needs context to understand what David is getting at. Here is Psalm 37:1-5.
“Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.”
David begins by talking about evildoers and their success. We see this in everyday life. Large companies pulling in millions and treating their employees like servants. Women who seem to have all the advantages in life and yet don’t even try to hide their sinful ways. Greed, lies, and power can create financial and physical security.
David is quick to point out that their success lasts only a short time. This could be their entire lifetime (or yours) or it could be a short time and their wickedness is judged as an example.
Whichever the case, David wants us to realize that our success lies in our God. We have the opportunity to rest in peace and joy and feast on the goodness of a God of love. Our hearts remain strong in the promise that our God is faithful.
When we delight ourselves or engage with our creator, He fulfills every need and longing we have in our hearts. He surrounds us with comfort and draws us close to Himself. All of our fears disappear for we are His and He is ours.
“There are people who have money and people who are rich.” Coco Chanel
Day 5
“Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” (Psalm 112:4)
I love this verse because it shows exactly what happens when we imitate Christ. But first, let’s read the beginning of this psalm.
“Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.”
Light in the darkness comes to those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments. What kind of light? Spiritual understanding? Yes, but I think it is more about being guided through life.
Life is crazy full of decisions to be made, isn’t it? Do I nurse or bottle feed, spank or time out? Do we move to further my husband’s career or choose a different path? Start a blog or continue to line my bookshelf with notebooks full of my scribblings 😉
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6)
Doesn’t that take some of the pressure off? God wants to direct our paths. He wants to show us the correct choice, but we must first acknowledge Him and delight in His commandments.
I tend to be an independent type. Always ready to make my own decisions and forge my own path. It’s only AFTER I find myself in a mess that I turn to God and pray for guidance. Anyone else do this??
Day 6
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. (Psalm 89:15)
Joyful sound and light of God’s countenance? How on earth do those two go together?
When reading the Psalms it is easy to see how expressive David was. Do you know someone expressive? They feel the need to share everything- good and bad. We feel David’s sorrow just as deeply as our hearts are lifted with his words of praise.
David walked in the Lord’s goodness and delighted in His commandments. You can’t keep that to yourself. When God showers His love and peace and joy upon you, it pours out your mouth and into your daily actions.
This overflowing expression of gratitude for salvation and love for the one who never leaves our side, produces a joyful sound. We are that joyful sound because we walk in God’s light!
“We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.” –J.I. Packer
Day 7
Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. (Psalm 104:2)
We see the majesty and greatness of God in this verse. The all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the universe.
Let that sink in for a second. The creator of the world loves you. He cares about you. He works all things for your good.
The lyrics to my favorite Casting Crowns song says it better than I can.
Who am I, that the lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?
Not because of who I am
But because of what you’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who you are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still you hear me when I’m calling
Lord, you catch me when I’m falling
And you’ve told me who I am
I am yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?
Not because of who I am
But because…
Day 8
O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2:5)
Isn’t this a beautiful invitation? It makes me wonder why we don’t say things like this more often. “Come, friend, let us embrace God’s love together” or “Dear mama, let us seek the truth together as we journey this path of life”.
As much as I treasure my alone time with Christ, there is something about community worship that lightens my soul.
Have you ever heard statements like “If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people” or “If you want to be happy, surround yourself with happy people”? I think we can apply this to our spiritual walk as well.
I don’t mean ONLY surround yourself with other like-minded Christians because of course we are meant to be the light of the world and need to be available to others as well, but spend a good chunk of your time with those who are traveling the same direction as you. Those who want to walk in the light of truth. They will help keep you grounded. Pray for them, encourage them in their faith, and stand strong with them when the winds of trial threaten to destroy them.
Do you have a friend or family member who supports you in this way? Reach out today and thank them.
So, dear friends, I invite you, “come let us walk in the light of the Lord”.
Day 9
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)
God makes four promises here. He will lead us through unknown paths, He will light the way before us, He will make the crooked places straight, and He will not forsake us.
This is an amazingly encouraging verse when you break it down.
“I will lead them in paths they have not known”. God continually teaches us, guides us, encourages us to grow and thrive. He forces us to face our fears and overcome the obstacles that stand between us and Him.
“I will make darkness light before them”. He will lead the way. He guides our footsteps and His truth (if we accept it) illuminates our path.
“He will make crooked places straight” God rights our wrongs, teaches us of our sinful ways and helps us repair the damage our actions have caused. When we mess up, fail, or make a drastic mistake, He picks us up and helps us through the trials that result.
“And not forsake them”. God never leaves us. If there is one hope that I can testify to, it is that through all the pain and grief and heartache, my God walked beside me.
Cue my favorite verse!
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)
Day 10
Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1-2)
This is a worship song we sing in church 🙂
The earth is covered with darkness. Sin, evil, pain, and suffering. I have heard numerous moms say that they can no longer believe in a God that took their child away.
Terminal illnesses slowly stealing life, babies born sleeping, children suffering at the hand of an abuser, and those lying their lives down as a result of refusing to deny their Lord.
Yes, the earth is filled with darkness.
BUT we are instructed to arise for our light has come. The savior of the world is here and we are meant to reflect the glory of that light. If we do not reflect that light, who will?
“Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)
Christ is the hope, the light in the evil darkness, that this world needs. I challenge you today to reflect that light!
Day 11
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The Lord will be a light to me.
I will bear the indignation of the Lord,
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case
And executes justice for me.
He will bring me forth to the light;
I will see His righteousness. (Micah 7:8-9)
What a beautiful verse full of hope and redemption!
When a car speeds past me on the highway, I often think to myself “seriously? I hope you get a ticket!”. Partly because he is not driving safely and partly because men don’t like to be stuck behind minivans and I find it annoying.
Have you ever wished someone evil because of the pain they have caused you? We all sin. We all do stupid things.
Yelling at my kids instead of patient instruction, hurting people I love the most because of my insecurities, and pain caused by my poor decisions.
We sit in the darkness and are forced to reap what we have sown, but God does not leave us there! Praise God that is not the end of the story!
He dries our tears, picks us up, and shines His light in our hearts. Why? Because He loves us.
Do you have trouble forgiving? Take a moment today to ponder the hope we have in redemption and show someone the same grace you have been shown.
“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” -Robert Muller
Day 12
Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle. (Psalm 43:3)
The stresses of day to day life and the constant need to make decisions. I feel as if I’m bombarded on every side. Everyone has different opinions and advice. I am often left feeling doubtful and bewildered.
BUT
We need only to seek the light and according to this verse, that truth always brings us back to God. Our decisions should bring us back to Him.
Notice how David says “let them lead” and “let them bring”? It makes me wonder how often we prohibit God’s truth in our lives. How often is God patiently waiting to show us directions, but we are bent on our own way? Do our own hopes and dreams prevent us from embracing God’s will in our lives?
I recently came across this quote from Abraham Lincoln and admire both the simplicity and profoundness (is that a word?) of it. Abraham Lincoln ran our country during a terrible time. I am sure he doubted his decisions many times over the years.
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” -Abraham Lincoln
Day 13
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
The darkness is a tough place to live. Sometimes we don’t have the strength or courage or hope to pull ourselves out of it.
I have been in my share darkness. The darkness of fear and doubt, the deep blackness of grief, and the gray cloudiness of uncertainty.
Sometimes we are walking in darkness and don’t realize it. It is easy to follow the simple rules of “do not kill” and “do not commit adultery” but how about “love your neighbor as yourself” or “pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you”?
Disobedience is also darkness. However, we have hope! God did not leave us in the darkness!
God’s truth directs us, encourages us, and never misleads us.
“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” – Ann Frank
Day 14
The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
The reading, hearing, and most importantly, accepting of God’s word lights our path and encourages our hearts. Charles Spurgeon explains this verse well.
“The mere hearing of the word with the external ear is of small value by itself, but when the words of God enter into the chambers of the heart then light is scattered on all sides.
The word finds no entrance into some minds because they are blocked up with self-conceit, or prejudice, or indifference; but where due attention is given, divine illumination must surely follow upon a knowledge of the mind of God.
Oh, that thy words, like the beams of the sun, may enter through the window of my understanding, and dispel the darkness of my mind!”
Day 15
For the commandment is a lamp,
And the law a light;
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, (Proverbs 6:23)
Many people dislike the idea that the Bible is a list of dos and don’ts. Of course, there is more to God’s word than merely following along like a well-trained puppy.
I see God’s commandments and instructions as a plumbline. Do you know what a plumbline is? It is a line with a weight attached to it and is used to find a straight line on an upright surface.
We don’t know which way is straight if we are wandering aimlessly. God’s word shows us which way is straight.
We don’t know if something is right or wrong unless we have something to measure it up to. God’s word is the plumbline teaching us what aligns with truth and what does not.
As hard as it can be, that which aligns with God’s word is right and that which doesn’t is wrong.
“If you boil it down, just because someone else does the wrong thing we are not exempt from doing what’s right.” – E.A. Bucchianery, Brushstrokes of Gadfly
Day 16
Then Jesus spake unto them saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Jesus is truth and the good news is that we can walk in that truth. I guess we all know that, but let’s pause for a second and consider what prevents us from walking in the light.
Jesus says “he who follows me”. That is not a vague statement. It is a call to action beyond believing in him.
What prevents us from following Christ?
I have heard many grieving moms say that they can not believe in a God who allows such terrible things in the world. Some choose not to follow simply because they are afraid of the rejection of family and friends.
Often times we are afraid to take action, to try something new, embrace a radical idea, put ourselves out there. Following Christ is no different. He asks us to lay our lives down, turn the other cheek, and obey his voice. That’s scary stuff!
“For those who feel their lives are a grave disappointment to God, it requires enormous trust and reckless, raging confidence to accept that the love of Jesus Christ knows no shadow of alteration or change. When Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened,” He assumed we would grow weary, discouraged, and disheartened along the way. These words are a touching testimony to the genuine humanness of Jesus. He had no romantic notion of the cost of discipleship. He knew that following Him was as unsentimental as duty, as demanding as love.” -Brennan Manning
Day 17
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:19-21)
This is a scary verse! I do NOT want to be the one afraid that my deeds be exposed.
Let’s talk about how we love darkness rather than light. This verse is talking about salvation but I want to dwell on the idea that we purposely dwell in darkness.
I will be the first to admit that I am comfortable in my fears. They keep me safe. I tend to be comfortable in my insecurities as well. They also keep me safe. Why give up that safety?
Because it’s not really living, it’s simply existing. Very little thrives in the darkness. It is only when we push through the fear and embrace the light that we begin to live and thrive.
“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” -Helen Keller
Day 18
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:5)
Can you imagine? God walking among man? The very light manifested in the beginning of creation, the truth laid down throughout the Old Testament, the glory that filled Solomon’s temple- all in Jesus.
Jesus brought truth in a way we had not understood before. Unfortunately, I still have trouble with it at times 😉
Rather than me droning on about this verse, I want you to try something different today. Grab a pencil and paper or your journal and write down everything you know about Jesus and his character. Let’s meditate solely on the one who came to save us from our sins.
Day 19
Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. (John 12:35-36)
It is not enough to believe in the light, we must walk in the light. If we don’t darkness will overtake us. Not a good idea.
Take a moment to think about the darkness is your life. Is it fear, doubt, insecurities, anxiety, depression, sin, unforgiveness, pride? In what ways are you allowing it to overtake you?
This darkness prevents you not only from doing God’s will but also from living in the freedom of the light. It leaves you stumbling in the darkness confused and disoriented.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King Jr
Day 20
Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:22-23)
Our amazing Apostle Paul, who first walked in darkness, unable to accept Jesus as the foretold Messiah. The same one who was literally blinded by the light when Christ spoke to him.
He never looked back. He took that truth and spread it to everyone. He sacrificed his comfort, his religious position, and his life to walk in the light.
Are you ready, friend, to walk in the light? To look ahead and not turn back?
“You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice.” -Eric Liddell
Day 21
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. No wonder a host of heavenly angels were singing at his birth!
Has God’s light shone in your heart?
My word for 2019 was “embrace”. If you have been following me this year, you can see how I did embrace hope, joy, pain, fear, insecurities, and the moment.
Now it is time to embrace the light. The truth of who God is in actions, not just merely faith. Paul sacrificed everything to do the will of Christ. Once light shined in his heart, there was no going back!
This reminds me of a song. I’m not sure who sings it.
I have decided
I called out his name
I’m following Jesus now and
He knows the way
I made up my mind
I leave it behind
No turning back
No turning back
I’m moving on
Not looking back
I’m giving him
All that I have
No turning back
No turning back
Though I may wander
I am not lost
So many distractions
But I, I look to the cross
I made up my mind
I leave it behind
Day 22
And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:3-5)
We become so caught up in our earthly home that we sometimes forget this is not our permanent dwelling. This earth is full of pain and suffering, uncertainty and doubt. We were never intended to live in such darkness. We were meant to walk in God’s light.
When sin entered the world, we were cut off from that light. We are only allowed it in small glimpses, but there comes a time where we will be enrobed in light and darkness will be but a distant memory.
My Rebekah is already in that light. The thought brings me great comfort.
Day 23
The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. (Revelation 21:23)
Just like at the beginning of creation, God first showed himself as light.
Jesus is the light of the world, now and in the age to come. This is not the end, friends. It is only the beginning!
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:18-22)
Paul says that the suffering of this world is nothing because of the glory that lies ahead of us. All creation is waiting earnestly for its restoration!
Day 24
“The sun shall no longer be your light by day,
Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you;
But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light,
And your God your glory.
Your sun shall no longer go down,
Nor shall your moon withdraw itself;
For the Lord will be your everlasting light,
And the days of your mourning shall be ended. (Isaiah 60:19-20)
Isn’t this a beautiful verse??
The darkness of fear, pain, depression, illness, anxiety, sin, doubt, and unbelief will be gone. The very things that hold us captive, that tie us down and prevent us from living the life we were meant to, will no longer have power over us.
We will no longer be seeking truth for we shall be dwelling in it!
Day 25
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8)
Paul gives us a direct command here. No excuses.
In the previous verses, Paul gives a list of sins to remove ourselves from. Let’s read the verses that come after.
(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.” (Ephesians 5:9-14)
The light exposes sin. Truth makes known our evil ways and thoughts and motives. Paul is challenging us to purify that darkness and walk in the light.
How about you? Are you ready to purify your darkness?
Day 26
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
This can feel like a big responsibility. I have heard Christians say that they feel as if they need to appear perfect in order to be the light of the world.
When Jesus said this, he knew he was talking to sinful, imperfect man. I don’t think he actually expects us to be perfect.
What he does expect is that we allow the light of truth to shine through us. It is not our good works at all. It is our obedience to him and his righteousness.
We are shining God’s light. His truth, joy, love, peace, hope, and righteousness. We have none of this on our own.
“If a man is to shed the light of the sun upon other men, he must first of all have it within himself.” -Romain Rolland
Day 27
You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6)
“Watch and be sober” is a call to action, don’t you think? We are not only called to be a light, but we are called to constantly check our own actions and motives.
It is not enough to walk in the light because the darkness is always present, creeping its way back into our hearts when we least expect it.
“Let us not sleep” reminds me of the apostles the night Jesus is taken. While Jesus is in turmoil, praying in the garden, the apostles keep falling asleep. Even though Jesus had told them multiple times what was about to happen, they still could not remain awake.
Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41)
“the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”
The flesh is where the darkness exists. Let us walk in the light and always be watchful that we do not sleep lest the darkness overtakes us.
Day 28
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)
I know this is a hard verse to swallow, especially because it starts with “woe” but we all fall into this.
Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have our secret list of “acceptable sins”. I might be harboring unforgiveness but at least I’m not gossiping. Sure, I am not speaking with love, but at least I’m not dropping the F bomb.
You get the point. Don’t try to make your darkness look less dark. Call it what it is.
Take out your journal again and write an HONEST list of your “acceptable sins” and then pray about them. Watch how God will bring them to your attention over the next few days. It is necessary to keep surrendering the darkness to the light!
Day 29
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7)
These verses are tough, aren’t they? I think the most important truth to remember is that it is not our light. We are only instructed to walk in God’s light. When we do this, His light will shine through us and chase away our darkness.
“It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.” -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Day 30
Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:8-11)
Walking in the light is optional. No one is forcing you. The choice is yours. You also have a choice as to how much light you allow.
We choose to believe or remain blind. We choose gratitude, joy, love, and peace. However, unbelief, fear, anger, unforgiveness, hate, and sin are also choices.
What do you choose?
“Faith is a decision. It is not a deduction from the facts around us. We would not look at the world of today and logically conclude that God loves us. It doesn’t always look as though He does. Faith is not an instinct. It certainly is not a feeling – feelings don’t help much when you’re in the lion’s den or hanging on a wooden Cross. Faith is not inferred from the happy way things always work. It is an act of the will, a choice, based on the Unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and obedience and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ.” -Elisabeth Elliot
Day 31
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)
What a way to end this study! Doesn’t it sum it up as only a Proverb can?
Let us reflect the light of our creator as we walk toward the eternal city in which Jesus is the only light.
May we turn from the darkness and embrace the truth as we journey toward the perfect day.
“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” -Winston Churchill
