In the Light: Monday Devotional 4/27/20

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” – John 3:20-21

I used to be so afraid of the dark that whenever I was home alone I would have all the lights on in the house—much to the chagrin of my parents’ electricity bill. Don’t laugh, I’m 90% sure you’ve done it too.

When all the lights are on, I can see every corner and crevice in my house and be assured there is nothing to harm me there. With all the lights on, I can step into another room and have peace knowing there is nothing hiding there to surprise me.

So, why do I so often avoid the light of God’s presence?

To be honest, I don’t mean to. I read my Bible and listen to worship music…but I far too often forget to open my heart to the exposing light of Christ.

This is called repentance.

Even if we have been saved by Christ, we are still human, and still struggle with sin. Every single day we have a 100% chance of sinning against God. It is in our human nature. This means that every day, we should have a 100% chance of repentance before God.

We can sin without even realizing it. We can do something wrong, or leave something good in our responsibility undone. We can have thoughts of pride, selfishness, and anger. We can knowingly slander our neighbor, or tell a slight lie. From big to small, sin is sin, and we do it all the time.

These sins corrupt our souls. They harm our relationship with our good and gracious Heavenly Father, and keep us from diving deeper into His presence.

If you ask me, that’s much more dangerous than a shadow monster.

Let’s take some time today and ask God to “turn on the lights” in our hearts.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

When we allow God to shine a light on our faults, He can see every corner and crevice in our hearts and take away those secret sins that are there to harm us. And He can give us the strength to overcome those sins if they try to sneak back.

Don’t hide it. Give it to God.

In the light of His presence, we can be made new. He will shape us into who He originally created us to be.

We do not have to be afraid to come before Christ and confess our sins to Him. It is such a good thing to repent to our King.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:11-12

There is freedom in His presence. Let His light shine in your life today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Search my heart and know me. I want to leave nothing hidden from your sight. Forgive me for my sins, and show me how to overcome them. Thank you so much for Your redeeming love that makes me new. Let me never take it for granted. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.