Weekly Overview:
We live in the reality that there is both light and darkness around us at all times. This world has both good and evil, right and wrong. As believers we must grow in both our acceptance of this reality and our pursuit of the light. We must allow God to mold and shape us into those who rid ourselves of any darkness, become fully known to God, and allow his light to transform us into reflections of his Son. May the Lord open our eyes to see the glorious light before us this week.
Scripture:“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:14
Devotional:
All throughout Scripture God reiterates a consistent, powerful metaphor: light and dark. Scripture depicts the darkness as that which is without God and light as that which has God in it. As “children of light,” it’s vital for us to dive deeply into this concept of light and dark that we might experience the fullness of all God has made available to us (1 Thessalonians 5:5). We must accept that both light and dark exist, that we can engage with both, and learn what it is to choose light at every turn.
In Isaiah 42:16 God says, “I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” God has not left us to wander in darkness. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:6). We who were blind to the paths of God have had our eyes opened through the powerful sacrifice of Jesus. We now have relationship with the Holy Spirit who seeks to guide us into the light with every thought, emotion, action, and decision.
Ephesians 5:14 says, “For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” It’s time for you and me to arise from any part of darkness and live in the shining light of Christ Jesus. It’s time for us to wake up from our former lives that were consumed with chaos, lies, and sin, come out of the shadows, and find true life in the light of God’s presence, will, and word.
God has so much more in store for you than a life lived working to escape darkness. The power of Jesus’ sacrifice has hidden you in him. His light is your light. But before we can experience this fullness of life available to us, we must allow him to open our eyes. We must allow him into the darkest places of our past, thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. We must allow his light to illuminate our darkest of sins in order that those which cause us the most shame might be healed and broken off of our lives.
Just as light can hurt a little at first when we’ve become accustomed to darkness, seeing the parts of our lives that we’ve shut off to God, others, and even ourselves can be painful. But, once we’ve allowed God to illuminate our whole lives that we might see ourselves as we truly are, we will discover a wealth of grace, love, and forgiveness unlike any we’ve ever known. Once we experience the unconditional love of a God who knows all we’ve ever done, thought, and felt, our lives begin to change by his overwhelming goodness. Light is powerful in its ability to heal, set free, and empower.
Take time in guided prayer to open your heart to your heavenly Father and reflect on this biblical principle of light and dark. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to seek the light of God in all things. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the places in your life he longs to heal. And find grace, rest, and forgiveness in the loving presence of your heavenly Father.
Guided Prayer:
1. Meditate on this biblical metaphor of light and dark. Reflect on the truth of Scripture that your mind would be renewed to the reality of the choice before you to live in the light.
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16
“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16
“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:14
2. What areas of your life have yet to be fully illuminated, healed, set free, and empowered by God? Where do you need God’s grace, truth, and help in choosing light over darkness?
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27
3. Ask God to show you how he feels about the dark places in your life. Ask him to speak truth to your areas of need. Ask his forgiveness for any ways in which you’ve been living in darkness.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
The fullness of life is only available in the light. Anything we experience in darkness is a mere shadow of what is available to us with God. Any pleasure we find in impurity, lies, and pride is nothing compared to the inexhaustible satisfaction available in God’s light. Trust God that he absolutely has the best life in store for you if you choose him. Trust him that the fullness of joy, peace, purpose, and pleasure is found in him alone. May your day be filled with the peace and joy that comes from living in the light of God.
Extended Reading: Ephesians 5
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