Running in the Dark

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,

that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

A few days ago, my son and I went for a run at night. We wanted to avoid the heat of the day so we started our run after the sun went down. I didn’t want to tell my son, but I was a little creeped out in the darkness. We ran through a golf course that wound through wooded areas, and I was more than a little afraid of what could be hiding out there. As we approached the thick, overgrown brush, my mind quickly jumped to the potential dangers –a bump in the path that could cause us to stumble, a nocturnal critter, a dangerous person lurking in the shadows.

The run through the dark made me think of my spiritual race. I seek the light – Jesus and His goodness – but in the midst of temptation, the spiritual dark doesn’t seem as creepy as the physical dark. The danger in spiritual darkness is far worse than the potential danger in physical darkness, so why does it seem so appealing? When temptation comes, why don’t I fear what lurks in the dark: the spiritual bump in the path, the nocturnal critter, the head of darkness who lurks in the shadows?

Maybe it’s because I am easily tricked into thinking that spiritual darkness is no big deal. Maybe it’s because I am easily persuaded that sin and its shortcuts can be satisfying beyond the short term. And maybe, most importantly, it’s because I have not fully grasped or fully appreciated the unimaginable love of God who sent His only Son to die for my spiritual darkness.

But that same One who sent his Son to die for me can also open my eyes to the dangers of sin. He can keep me safe during temptation. He can give me wisdom to understand that the wrong things I’m inclined to do are not beneficial or peaceful but deadly.

I am reminded in 1 Peter 2:9 that I am chosen and am God’s purchased special possession. I was called out of the darkness through baptism and each day am called to turn away from sin and its deadly consequences. I am called into wonderful light.

I felt relieved at the end of the run the other night as I entered the light and security of my house. Jesus extends an even better, everlasting comfort and security in His light. Let’s turn to Him now and ask Him to draw us into that light at all times.

Lord Jesus, I can be easily tricked into thinking that there is pleasure and satisfaction in the darkness. Help me to realize that there is danger out there. Help me to run away from it just as I run away from the physical dangers in my life. Thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your own life for me. Help me always and only to declare Your praises. In Your strong name I pray, AMEN.