How can we avoid the "terrors of deep darkness" mentioned in Job 24:17? The verse at a glance “For to them deep darkness is their morning; surely they are familiar with the terrors of deep darkness.” (Job 24:17) What are the terrors of deep darkness? • A graphic picture of living in unrepentant sin—spiritual night that feels like morning to the wicked. • Fear, guilt, and judgment that stalk the soul when it chooses rebellion over fellowship with God (cf. John 3:19: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”). • Demonic oppression and inner turmoil that accompany separation from the Light (cf. Psalm 91:5-6). Why do people experience them? • They reject God’s revealed light in conscience and Scripture. • They find temporary comfort in hiding which becomes bondage (Proverbs 4:19). • Sin deadens sensitivity, so “deep darkness is their morning”—wrong feels right. • The enemy uses darkness to intimidate and enslave (1 Peter 5:8). God’s answer: Light conquers darkness • “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) • Jesus declares, “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) • His Word exposes and expels darkness: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Practical steps to stay out of darkness 1. Repent and believe – Confess known sin; turn wholly to Christ (Acts 3:19). 2. Walk in transparent fellowship – “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” (1 John 1:7) 3. Saturate your mind with Scripture – Replace lies with truth (Philippians 4:8). 4. Stay in close communion with God’s people – Mutual accountability exposes hidden deeds (Ephesians 5:8-11). 5. Put on the armor of light daily – “Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12) 6. Resist the devil and his intimidation – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7-8) 7. Guard input and environment – Choose media, friendships, and habits that foster light. 8. Speak truth out loud – Declare Scripture; darkness cannot withstand proclaimed light (Matthew 4:4, 10). Promises for those who walk in the Light • Guidance: “In Your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) • Protection: “You will not fear the terror of the night.” (Psalm 91:5) • Peace: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20) • Joy: “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.” (Proverbs 4:18) • Eternal security: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:13) Choosing the Light daily keeps the soul far from the terrors Job described and floods life with the steady, liberating brightness of God’s presence. |
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