Years of being sober is something I consider a miracle. Harmless habits turned addictions have gotten the hold of me in the past. In those days, getting out was almost impossible. I remember one night, the darkness felt so tangible that I felt like it was inside of me, consuming me inch by inch.
Telling I was extremely disappointed with myself is an understatement. I allowed myself to be trapped in sneaky dangers of sin and darkness. Guilt grew while piling on the shame of the actions and consequences.
By God’s grace, I was saved. If you are struggling with the same thing, or know someone who does, these verses might help. These can also help if you are not in the traps yet but there are seemingly harmless things that you are getting yourself into.
1 John 1:5 tells us, “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.”
There is no such thing as gray or anything in between. It’s just light and darkness. A tiny bit of darkness can turn into a black hole, siphoning any amount of light that is left.
Verse 6 says, “So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.”
The truth is I was just fooling myself back then. Christianity was my religion but I did not make it the very thing that dictates my lifestyle. I knew Jesus. But I have not lived in the light like His follower should.
1 John 1:9, a famous verse about repentance was especially intended for believers who have explored darkness. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
God is faithful.
God is ready to forgive.
He hates seeing us in the darkness when He has so much to offer in the light.
After asking for a second chance, those with faith believing God can do so, will do everything it takes to stay away from darkness.
You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
I am determined not to sin in what I say. -Psalms 17:3
BE DETERMINED NOT TO SIN. Hebrews 12 reminds us the same thing: to strip of the sin that weighs us down.
Nothing is more important than living a blameless life.
I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you. -Psalms17:4-5
STAY IN THE PATH. Follow Jesus. Fall in love with the course He has intended our lives to be in. Run the marathon of living for Christ and never look back. It may sound impossible but I tell you, just take it day at a time.
When we trust God with our hearts and surrender everything, He honors our desire to be in the light.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. -Psalm 17:8
In His faithful nature, our heavenly Father can guard us as apples of His eyes, hidden in the shadow of His wings. Darkness can‘t touch us again without us allowing it to.
May your life be blessed today with a renewed hope that nothing can ever be impossible with God. He can change lives. Trust Him today.
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