October 23, 2019
When Days Are Dark
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. (Ephesians 1:18, NLT)
Friend to Friend
I was in Illinois. My husband was in North Carolina. I am usually the video girl, but Brad stepped up to film our daughter’s volleyball tournament since I couldn't be there.
I had shown him how to operate the camera and how to set up the tripod. He had filmed several matches before and had done a great job, so I was surprised when I got his phone call.
HIM: Honey! The match is about to start, but the camera is telling me that it is too dark to record. I’m not sure what to do. Got any ideas?
ME: This is just a guess, but I think you might need to take the lens cap off.
HIM: {Laughing} Oh my. Okay. Yeah. Let’s pretend this conversation never happened and just keep it between you and me.
ME: {Laughing} Ha! Nice try. Not gonna happen.
We laughed and laughed. He went on to film the game with lighting that was just fine. I went on to speak and lead worship at the women’s conference. Later, as I thought about the camera lens snafu it occurred to me that the same advice translates well to spiritual life.
When days are dark and my circumstances are complicated, the lens cap needs to be removed from my heart.
When ways are dark and I can’t see which direction to go, the lens cap needs to be removed from my soul.
When thoughts are dark and emotions or rebellion have me blinded, the lens cap needs to be removed from my mind.
Darkness is a very real problem, you know. I live in the shadows of darkness when I allow worry, anxiety, circumstances and feelings to tie my heart in knots, or when I sidestep the instructions of God’s Words to accommodate my own plans, pursuits and passions. The lens cap of darkness can be my will, pride, stubbornness, arrogance, anger, ignorance, fears, failures, insecurities, rebellion, doubts, or bitterness.
The lens cap is my humanity.
My heart, mind, and soul… the very core of all that I am must be open to Jesus, the Light of the World, or my days, ways, and thoughts remain in darkness. The very core of all that I am must be open to His leading, His grace, His power, His comfort, His wisdom, His correction, His forgiveness, and His love – or I will continue to struggle in the shadows. If I try to see and reason and respond without Jesus there is only darkness and dim.
Do you ever struggle to see in the shadows of your days, ways, and thoughts? I sure do. So I turn to the Bible to gain divine insight on how to remove the lens cap of darkness. And as I read I find a few simple reminders that help position my heart, mind, and soul in the goodness of God’s light.
#1. PRAY … as the psalmist did for the Lord to open our eyes and lead us in His truth and understanding.
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
“Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 119:27)
#2. YIELD … When we surrender our ways to God’s ways, we step out from the shadows and into the light.
“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:33-37)
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)
#3. STAND FIRM … Be determined. Make a decision to stand in the light and strength of God. Remember that you are not alone. Remember that you are never limited to your own resources, but instead that you have access to the storehouses of heaven. Darkness must yield to light. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12) and He has called us to be that light too (Matthew 5:14).
“I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:31)
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)
Pray. Yield. Stand Firm.
As we do these three things, the dim lens caps of our human limitations are removed and we gain a fresh and clear view of our days, ways and thoughts through the power of the Spirit of God that is alive and active within us.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your Word that leads me in all truth and grace. Please flood my heart with Your light so that I can see beyond the dark. Help me to understand and embrace the confident hope that You have called me to live with in Christ.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What are the lens caps in your life today? How can the three steps in today’s devotion help you to see beyond the darkness of them? Hit me with a DM on Instagram and tell me about it.
More from the Girlfriends
Each GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast episode is filled with fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations that will help you know and trust God more.
These discussions encourage you in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the GRACE of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes, or visit GwenSmith.net/Graceologie for more information.
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Originally published Wednesday, 23 October 2019.
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