Out of the Darkness

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 NLT
 
Certain parts of Indiana are preparing to hear the love songs of half a trillion cicadas in the next week or so. This group has been waiting, hidden beneath the ground for seventeen years. As the ground gets warmer they will crawl out, climb into the trees and begin to sing. The noise cannot be ignored! Don’t worry, though. They do not damage the trees, they do not bite or sting, and will soon be gone for another thirteen or seventeen years.

Some of us have been hiding, feeling as though we were forced underground to live in the shadows. It may feel like it’s been seventeen years. We are ready to come into the light! Read the verse above and be encouraged. God has not forgotten us. He has chosen us. He has chosen YOU and he has called you out of the darkness into his glorious, wonderful light.

Have you let the darkness lie to you, discourage you and convince you that you don’t matter? That is not what God says about you. His word has many names for you. It’s your new identity in Christ. They include new creation, masterpiece, overcomer, beloved, daughter and friend. Read the verse from 1 Peter 2:9 again and let these names, part of your new identity, sink deep into your heart.

You are not invisible, alone, or worthless! Refuse and reject all negative labels. Claim what God says about you. He knows you best. After all, he designed you, created you for his plans and purposes. Say “yes!” to who you really are. You are chosen, a royal priest. You belong to God, are his special, precious possession. He is calling you out of all darkness today.
 
Come out of doubt, depression, anger, unforgiveness, hopelessness, envy and self-hatred. Choose to live in the light of God’s truth, love and favor. Choose to hear God calling you and come into the light of his truth. Then testify to God’s glorious life in you as you radiate his goodness, compassion, mercy and joy.

Dear friends, be blessed as you hear God calling you out of this present darkness and to live in the light of his truth and love. God has blessed you with a new identity. Be blessed as you choose to discard the old dark and burdensome one, and turn into the light, peace and joy. You are valuable, worthy of your new names. Be blessed as you choose to step into the life you were created to live. Now is the time. Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ May 5, 2021