MONDAY: GETTING OUT OF THE DARK

Aug 22, 2022
2 min read

Lord, today as I wake up, I find myself stumbling in the dark. Please turn Your light on me, so I can see Your truth about my life.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-5

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

I can tolerate the threat of a thief in the night if I’m prepared. Locks on the doors—check. Alarm batteries in place—check. Prayers for protection—check. If I wasn’t prepared however, then I would be surprised by the thief.

The Apostle Paul says that the coming of the Lord will be like a thief. It will come suddenly and without warning. He also says that because I am a child of light—a child of God—I do not need to be surprised by that day.

Because I don’t belong to the darkness, I don’t need to stumble around in the dark. I should remember to turn on the light, so I can see. But when I forget to turn on my light, I stumble. I will be led into dark, depressing, emotional times if I forget that I’m a child of God, and I don’t rely on Him to lead me by His light.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: As with labor pains, I should be waiting and anticipating the day of the Lord to come. I should not be afraid, but I should be prepared. I can prepare myself by checking my heart each morning to determine if I’m living in anticipation and expectation of the Lord’s coming (eternal perspective) or living in fear and worry of present-day circumstances (temporal perspective).

If I desire to live as a child of light, He will clear my mind when I ask and transform me with the right perspective. If I don’t desire to live as a child of light, I will be trapped in the darkness until I realize that He is my Lifeline to freedom.

Lord, please bless me as I seek You today. I want to walk in Your light, but I’m afraid of what I might see if the light shines on me. Please help me to confess to You all my sins and fears, then I will put my hope in You and no longer be afraid.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman