Come Out of Hiding
“He will bring to light what is hidden in the darkness and expose the motives of men’s hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5
Have you ever seen a lighthouse? It is incredible how it’s a beacon of light for all to see. It is amazing what happens when God’s light begins to shine into the hidden places of our hearts. Just like a lighthouse reveals bearings in the darkness on water and land, God’s light shines a new perspective on our lives. He wants to help us find love, purpose and meaning. It is painful to be vulnerable and feel uncomfortable feelings, but God meets us in these places of shame and discomfort. As Corrie Ten Boom once said, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
In the Bible, Saul (who later becomes Paul) persecuted believers and was spiritually blind to the anger and disdain inside of himself. One day while he was traveling, he was stopped by a bright light and a loud voice from heaven that said, “Saul why are you persecuting me?” Saul was physically blind for three days. After the three days, his life was never the same! The spiritual blinders fell from his eyes, and he no longer felt the rage and hatred towards Christian believers. His name was changed to Paul, and he stopped persecuting believers. He became an incredible example of hope and faith. God loves us so much and wants us to see clearly!
Light exposes the darkness. It is so important to position ourselves among other people who are being self-reflective and honest about the broken parts of their lives, and then to invite God’s love and truth. When we struggle, it can be easy to hide and ignore the painful and deeper issues that drive our behaviors. Let us be open and invite God to bring light into our lives! He loves us so much, and whatever the light touches can be healed. As we are walking in his light, we can truly love those around us.
For further personal study, here are some texts from the Bible I recommend: Ephesians 5:13 -14, Psalm 119: 129-132, and Exodus 14:24.