Friday, October 31, 2008

Journey of Prayer: Darkness to Light

I didn't even capture the openings under the castle up close - I thought it looked junky under there and not very picture worthy. When I got home and read this later - I realized I should have taken a picture there for that very reason. You can see the perspective of being underneath the beautiful part - looking up and from a distance, can see the dark entrances.

"Darkness to Light...

From the first floor on up, the castle is celebrated for its beauty, elegance and strength. But take a look at the openings below the castle - darker entrances to more hidden, unkempt places. Whether you have been a follower and lover of Jesus for many years or for a short time, the struggle with the darkness of sin, and the constant temptation to conceal, deny, bury, and justify our darkness is always hovering nearby, and within. Now, here is an opportunity to come into the light again.

"Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me." ~ Psalm 19: 12b - 13a

Spend some honest time thinking about your life. Knowing you are the delight of God, you are invited by Him to move into freedom by confessing sin.

One way to get specific about sins and darkness to confess is to meditate on the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). Consider your life in relation to the ones Jesus calls "blessed". Do these describe you? Where are you weak, rebellious, struggling?
* poor in spirit (humble and lowly, total dependence on God)
* those who mourn (...over their sins and the suffering of mankind)
* the meek (being content with both honor and dishonor)
* those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
* the merciful (love set in motion, love expressed in action)
* the pure in heart
* peacemakers
* those persecuted because of righteousness (upholding God's truth, refusing to compromise with the ways of the world; giving yourself to no other)

Speak to the Lord about all of this. Know He's the Father running towards you when He sees you coming back home. Embrace the painfully freeing work on confession.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:9

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Encouraging post! :) Food for thought...thanks!

Anonymous said...

I have been meditating on this throughout the week. Thanks, Monica. Your posts are always timely, for whatever reason, or however big or small.