Around us all was covered in darkness, but the Tibetan mountain tops were sharp silhouettes against the first light of a cloudless dawn. Ripples on the river had already begun to reflect the light. A growing glow in the eastern sky signaled the coming of day. Very soon, all would be revealed in the full light of day. It reminded me of the Romans verse above.

Darkness can seem unending. It can even spread into our own lives. But “the night is far gone; the day is at hand.” It is time to “cast off the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light.”

Now, even today, it is time to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Live for the daylight. Clothe yourself with the character and likeness of Christ. “Salvation is nearer to us now than it was when we first believed.”

Many verses remind us of how light can defeat darkness. We are not to give up. Hebrews 12:12-13 tells us, “Take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.”

The world is dark, but not for long. The Sun of Righteousness is rising with healing rays (Malachi 4:2). ”The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).

Can you see the dawn coming?

Lord, help me to live in the daylight and with encouragement that a new day is beginning. Amen.

Go Deeper — Get up before dawn and watch the sun rise. Think of one thing today that will help you to clothe yourself in Christ’s light. Focus on that and live it out.



Tags: Romans Romans 13
Photo Credit: Guy Saffold