"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."-- I Peter 2:9(NKJV)
I recall as a teenager, whenever I went out in the evening, my parents would always leave the outside light on for me. It comforting and reassuring to see the light on as I parked my car and walked into the house. For me, it was an acknowledgment that my parents knew I was out (at night and in the dark) and that they were awaiting my return. The light signaled an invitation. It was as if they were saying, "Come on in. We're waiting for you."
For many of us, there is something about darkness that is uncomfortable. Research shows that physical darkness and the depravation of light impacts the human psyche and overall mental health. Most of us like being able to see where we are going, what we are doing, and who is around us. There is a sense of relief and security that settles us when there is light. If you've ever experienced a power outage during a storm, for example, I'm sure you felt better when the lights clicked on and power was restored! Humanly speaking, we are not equipped to live in darkness--science proves this.
Well, it's the same in the Spirit realm. Spiritual darkness is not for the believer, which is why I Peter 2:9 is so special. We are told that God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. This is good news!
Consider the Greek meanings of some of the words in the I Peter 2:9 passage:
- called: (G2564) kaleo--to call aloud, to invite, to call by name, to bid
- darkness: (G4655) skotos--darkness, obscurity, ungodliness, immorality, deeds done in darkness
- marvelous: (G2298) thaumastos--excellent, extraordinary, passing human comprehension
- light: (G5457) phos--heavenly light
As believers, God has sovereignly and personally invited each of us out of darkness into his light. To put it another way, God has called us out of anything and everything that is unlike Him--lies, shame, deception, manipulation, loneliness, self-deprecation, rejection, abandonment, hopelessness, woe, despair, hatred, envy, rage, immorality, addictions, vengeance, and so on. He invites us by name into his marvelous light. In his light there is joy, peace, satisfaction, hope, acceptance, security, wellness, power, purpose, warmth, love, provision, healing, grace, forgiveness, help, etc.
If you are feeling as though you are living in darkness; you have been given access to light. You do not have to live in spiritual darkness a moment longer.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess that I feel encircled in the darkness of hurt, shame, gossip, slander, bitterness, self-condemnation, restlessness, hidden/secret sins, and confusion. Forgive me. By faith, I turn to you. I accept and receive the good things that your light brings to my life. I receive your truth, your acceptance, your love, your peace, and hope. Amen and so be it according to your word.
Scriptures for Contemplative Prayer and Meditation
- Ephesians 5:5
- I Thessalonians 1:17
- James 1:17
- I John 1:5
