A Call to Illumination
In the darkness, all men are blind.
In the absence of light, the soiled places, stains, wrinkles, and blemishes—whether on our garments or within our souls—remain invisible and seemingly irrelevant.
As long as a person remains in darkness, there is no motivation to change.
- Beauty and ugliness appear the same.
- Majesty and abomination are indistinguishable.
- Fear becomes the dominant emotion—but awe is lost.
Darkness robs us of the childlike wonder we were created to experience. It dulls our senses, making us content with shadows instead of light.
What Do Men Do in Darkness?
They chase after the basest of desires:
- They seek comfort, no matter how fleeting.
- They indulge in pleasure, no matter how toxic.
- They pursue self-fulfillment, no matter how destructive.
And in the darkness, a man convinces himself that his soul’s condition can be covered with fig leaves—as if a well-placed disguise could ever hide the truth.
Men in darkness are like children playing hide-and-seek who cover their own eyes, believing that if they cannot see others, then others cannot see them.
For a time, this illusion works.
But then… light shines in the darkness.
When the King Visits the Field
When the King comes to inspect His people, His light shines into our lives.
And suddenly, everything is exposed:
- The hidden spots, stains, and wrinkles become visible.
- The coping mechanisms we have relied upon are shown to be inadequate.
- The toxic thought patterns, destructive behaviors, and unhealthy relationships are laid bare.
And this is good.
For it is only when the light enters the deep places of our darkness that we realize we need to change.
Prayer for the Journey
May the light of Your countenance shine upon Your humble servant.
Inspect, probe, and examine me in all areas of life and relationship.
And please, my King… please, please, please have mercy!
Awestruck Heart Challenge #4
Invite the Holy One to illuminate the hidden areas of your life.
- Discover and open up what has been cloaked in darkness.
- Give God full access to shine His transforming light.
Awestruck Heart Exercise #4
- Read & Meditate: Job 12:22
- Self-Examination:
- Ask the King to shine His light on your priorities:
- What have you been spending your spare time doing?
- What have you been spending non-essential money on?
- What have you been secretly hoping for when your mind is free to wander?
- Ask the King to shine His light on your priorities:
- Read & Meditate: Psalm 43:3-5 and 1 Peter 2:9-17
- Ask the King:
- Where is there darkness in me?
- Are there traces of darkness in:
- The way I think about, speak to, and treat my spouse?
- The way I relate to my children, parents, or siblings?
- The way I talk about or interact with extended family?
- The way I conduct myself in my workplace?
- The way I view or engage in the political world?
- The way I think about and act within my community of faith?
- The way I handle money and material possessions?
- The way I use the precious moments of time You have given me?
- The way I think about, speak about, and relate to You, my King?
Final Reflection
Step into the light today.
Let the King expose what is hidden—not to condemn, but to heal.
Let Him strip away the shadows—not to shame, but to restore.
Let Him reignite the wonder—not to overwhelm, but to awaken.
He is shining His light.
Will you step into it?