What actions can we take to avoid "walking in darkness" as in Psalm 82:5? Psalm 82:5 – Seeing the Issue Clearly “They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.” God diagnoses a condition: ignorance, lack of understanding, and wandering in darkness. Shaken foundations follow when His people refuse His light. Understand What Darkness Is • It is spiritual ignorance—living without God’s revealed truth (Hosea 4:6). • It is moral confusion—calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). • It is relational isolation—separation from God who is light (1 John 1:5-6). Look to the Only True Light “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12) Following Christ dispels darkness; everything that keeps us close to Him keeps us in the light. Actions That Keep Us From Walking in Darkness • Ground life in Scripture – Daily reading and meditation (Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:105). – Memorize key verses that confront personal temptations (Matthew 4:4). • Obey promptly and completely – Light is given to be followed, not merely admired (James 1:22). – Confess and forsake sin the moment the Spirit convicts (Proverbs 28:13). • Live transparently in fellowship – “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” (1 John 1:7). – Seek accountability with mature believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Practice discernment – Test every message, teacher, and cultural trend against Scripture (Acts 17:11). – Reject anything that contradicts the plain teaching of God’s Word (Galatians 1:8). • Pursue justice and mercy – Psalm 82 warns leaders who neglect righteousness; love requires action (Micah 6:8). – Stand for the oppressed, value every life, refuse partiality (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Walk in the Spirit – “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16). – Cultivate prayer, worship, and sensitivity to His prompting. • Fix your eyes on eternity – Darkness gains ground when we live as though this world is final (2 Corinthians 4:18). – Hope in Christ’s return motivates holy living (1 John 3:2-3). Living the Contrast “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) God’s people display His light by believing His Word, obeying His commands, loving His people, and shining His character into a confused culture. Stay close to Christ, and darkness loses its grip. |
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