Ephesians 5:8
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.”
The previous verse says not to be partners with those who live corruptly. We were once darkness and used to be amongst them. We used to share their misery, their slavery, their hopelessness. There were some highlights of fun. The bible acknowledges there is sin for a season, but the rest is misery.
We were separated from God and without hope (Ephesians 2:12). We presently have the peace and joy that God gives. We didn’t then. We sought for fulfillment, we sought relationships, but were empty. We were darkness.
But we were redeemed. “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” We are now light. What a wonderful privilege. This reminds me of the solar garden lights. All day long the sun charges them. When night comes they emit light. Even though their power source is gone, they emit light. However, when they reach the am hours, their light grows dim. We are the same way. We spend time with God and get charged up. If we don’t return to Him, our light also grows dim.
We are to walk as children of light. Our behavior is to be that of the light. That’s the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”, (Galatians 5).
Our circumstances can be tough and our reflex reaction night not be good. We aren’t to follow that instinct, but to practice God’s way. Our feelings will follow. Not instantly, but in time.
We used to get anxious that we wouldn’t get ours or not get enough. But then we learned that He is enough (II Cor 9:8). He said the birds of the air don’t worry. He takes care of them, so He’ll take care of us (Matt 6:26-30). We can relax. We don’t have to compete for the little, trying to edge the others out.
We will have difficult times. Peter reminds us in his first letter, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you”, (4:12). We will have things that concern us. We seek to resolve the matter. We give it to Him and He assists in the solution. The surprise that Peter refers to is anxiety. Don’t give in to it. We do this by faith. He’s rescued before, He’ll do it again.
Another aspect of light is that it gives hope to others. Matthew 5:15 says, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” The light that God gives us also is a witness to others. It gives them hope. We rarely are aware of this process. God allows them to see it and creates curiosity in them. Many come to Christ this way.
Thank You, Lord for Your hope and Your deliverance. Thank You for the light that You are and the light that You give. It fills us with hope and gives witness to others. Thank You, Lord.