As has been my habit for the last several years, I have started a new Bible reading plan to read through the Bible that starts with the book of Genesis. I am trying to not just read through the Bible but to also study it and do my best to see what I can learn from each passage I am reading. I have decided that I am going to keep a notebook and journal my way through the Bible which will force me to take it slow and really focus on each verse. This means that I am actually reading through my normal Bible plan while simultaneously slowly taking my time reading verse by verse at my own pace.
I have read Genesis chapter one more times than I could tell, and I have learned a great many things from it. I’ve actually written about it several times before and I absolutely love the way that God can bring something different out of it each time I study it. Today, while I was studying through the first nineteen verses of chapter one, I began to notice a theme. A lot of what God did on those first four days was separating things. He was creating but He was also separating things. The one that stood out to me the most was the fact that He more than once made a point of separating light from darkness.
In fact, the very first act of creation was creating light which was separated from the darkness. I’ve read this many, many times and not thought that much about it before. However, this time I felt that nudge in my spirit letting me know I needed to slow down and focus a bit more on this. In case you weren’t aware of it, light is a big deal in Scripture. In 1 John 1:5, we are told that God is light and in the first chapter of the gospel of John, we are told that Jesus is the light of the world. Both John and Paul spoke repeatedly about how as believers, we are called to walk in the light (1 John 1:7; Eph. 5:8-14).
Creation began with God separating the light from the dark and as His children, I believe we are called to do the same. What I mean by this is that it is vital that we learn to distinguish between what is light and what is dark and choose to walk in the light. How can we do this? We must get in His Word so that we can learn what He considers light and what He considers dark. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105. If you want to walk in the light this year, my friend, you must get in the Word. You cannot walk in the light if you are not looking to His Word for the guidance you need!
Beloved, in case you haven’t noticed, we are living in some perilous times. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” Isaiah 5:20. I truly believe we are living in the times that Isaiah was describing. If we are not grounded in Truth, we may struggle to distinguish between what God calls light(good) and dark(evil). I am not here to tell you how to study the Word, God will help you to know what the best way for you would be to do it. I am here to help you see how necessary it is!
Dear heart, as the days grow darker, it becomes even more critical that we choose to walk in the light. It becomes incredibly important that we shine as a light in the darkness. We cannot do this if we are not grounded in His Word. And please forgive me if I offend you, my friend, but a casual reading of the Word is not enough. Only hearing the Word on Sunday is not enough. You have got to get in the Word and let His Word get in you. Friend, I urge you to ask Him to help you find a plan or method that works best for you so that you can truly get in His Word and learn Truth.
Please hear what I am trying to say, precious friend. I believe we are now living in the very last of the last days. I believe, now more than ever; we need to learn to separate ourselves from the darkness and focus on walking in the light! We need to be drawing ever closer to Jesus, the Light. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” John 8:12. If you want to walk in the light, you have to walk as close to Jesus as you possibly can. Immersing yourself in His Word draws you closer to Him and helps you to know Him better.
The Bible begins with God separating light from darkness and a close look at the last book of the Bible shows that someday, God will once more separate the light from the darkness. Those whose names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into hell, a place Jesus referred to in Matthew 22:13 as the “outer darkness”, while those whose who belong to Jesus will enter heaven. Heaven, the place where “night will no longer exist” and there won’t be any need for another light because “the Lord God will give them light” (Rev. 22:5). He will be the Light!
Dear heart, I believe that day is drawing ever closer, and the world desperately needs some men and women willing to walk in the light. It desperately needs to see His light shining in us. We need to be the light; we need to share His light. This will only happen if we are determining to walk in the light. Will you be the one? Will you be one of the few who choose to do all they can to separate the light from the darkness in your life so that you can shine for Him? Are you willing to let Him shine His light in your heart, revealing any hidden darkness so that it can be removed?
Remember, that is the job of light; it dispels the darkness. We need to be willing to submit to His light so that it can dispel any darkness lingering in our hearts or lives. Then, and only then, will we be able to shine brightly for Him. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way” Psalm 139:23-24. Dear heart, I hope that you have been encouraged and challenged to walk in the light. I hope that He has spoken to your heart and given you a renewed desire to get in His Word and let it light your path!
… come let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5
Katrina Douglas
1/2/2023
