Daily Devotional Details

Date

While people are saying “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly. 1 Thessalonians 5:3, NIV

Paul gives us a picture of what it is like when you belong to the darkness.

You feel secure
“People are saying ‘peace and safety’” (5:3). You know you aren’t following Christ, you aren’t walking in obedience, but it doesn’t bother you. You tell yourself that you’re safe. And you feel secure.

You cannot see
“The God of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4). You cannot see anything special about Jesus. You come to church and you read the Bible, but you don’t see anything glorious.

You will be taken by surprise
“The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman” (1 Thes. 5:2-3). You rely on your gut, but it won’t protect you on the day of destruction.

You will not escape
“Destruction will come upon them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (5:3). There is no word of hope for people who continue in darkness, no hope without Christ. You are in a desperate position. You have to do something about it. Stop deceiving yourself. You must get out of the darkness and into the light.

Can you see yourself in one or more of these pictures? If so, immediately reach out to a pastor or mature Christian friend and tell him or her. Ask for help to get out of the darkness and into the light.