God calls us to walk in the light rather than in darkness. ‘Walking in the light’ means opening the hatches of the most hidden places in our hearts. It means allowing God to bring to light those subconscious desires and agendas that rule our lives. The notion that we have desires that are in some sense ‘subconscious’ is often associated with Sigmund Freud. But the Bible had already acknowledged this, although in a different way. David speaks of his self-deceit when, having committed both adultery and murder, he went on with life as though nothing had gone wrong (Psalm 32:2). When we harbour desires and ambitions that put us in conflict with God, we often follow them without thinking about what is actually driving us. For example, a person might live to fulfil an entirely selfish agenda whilst being totally convinced of the altruism of his motives. A person might justify himself vehemently when confronted with wrongdoing and yet know deep down that he is wrong. David knew his propensity to suppress the knowledge of his sins and it is for this reason that he asks God to “forgive his hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12). It is also why he asks God to search his heart (Psalm 139:23-24). John tells us to confess our sins rather than live in self-deceit and he tells us this so that we may walk in the light and in freedom. Don’t ever resist being made aware of your faults. Welcome such a revelation at all costs for this is the key to your freedom.
Ask God to show you the things that grieve him about your life.
Read 1 John 1:1-2:2
