Out of the Darkness

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 2 Peter 2:9

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. John 8:12

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Romans 13:12-13

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2

Many in our world and country today have moved away from trusting Jesus as their savior and walk in darkness. We need to return to Jesus and see the light. The Lincoln Journal Star reported today that $55,000,000 is being spent to build a new behavioral hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The shooters at mass murders are often mentally disturbed people who have anxiety and living in darkness. Mental health is such a problem today that a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been set up for hurting people who can call 988 like 911 when an accident happens.

People are craving the love of Jesus. These words from hymns give us what we need, but many people today aren’t listening to the wonderful hymns. Take these words into your heart. Let them guide your days and feel the peace of knowing Jesus.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus—Look into His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.   

What a Friend We Have in Jesus—all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. What peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Have we trials and temptations, is there trouble anywhere? We shouldn’t be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer. Jesus knows our every weakness.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, please put people who know Jesus in the lives of those who are sad, lonely, fearful, and dangerous, to reach them and teach them to know Jesus and come out of the darkness. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck