Devotion 23 April 2026

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2: 9

READING: Psalm 23 and 1 Peter 2: 9-12

The two passages of scripture set out to be read today hold messages of enormous reassurance and comfort. We see in Psalm 23 the ancient and well-known image of the Good Shepherd, who cares and provides for us in all circumstances; and in the New Testament we receive again the assurance that each one of us are God’s chosen and special possession.

In both readings we hear that God brings light into our lives - “out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9) even though we might be walking through the darkest valley (Psalm 23:4).

One of the most moving passages in scripture is the image in Genesis 1:2-3 of God creating light out of primordial darkness: “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light”. Perhaps even more moving is the amazing statement from Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians that God wishes to create that same power of light within our lives: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). 

Into our lives, which so often feel dark, perhaps formless and empty, or sometimes terrifying and full of threatening shadows, God is waiting to shine the light of His salvation. This can happen when we proclaim Him as Lord (2 Corinthians 4:5), allow His word to be a light to our path (Psalm 119: 105), and place our faith in His wisdom and ways (John 8:12).

And we are chosen and given the “light of life”, so that we may “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (v9). What a privilege and joy it is to be chosen by a God whose desire is that we respond to that light by living a life of praise!

Prayer

Almighty God, our Creator, I thank You for bringing light to the dark places of my life. My hope is in You, O God, for You are the light of the world. May Your light and love blaze in me so that others may come to know You too. Amen