I have a habit of romanticizing the morning.
In my mind, the perfect morning looks like this: Rising before the sun and the dogs and the kids. Drinking a fresh cup of French-pressed coffee by lamplight while the house is still and dark. Enjoying uninterrupted quiet while the sun inches over the horizon, my Bible open and my knees bent in prayer. Feeling filled up and ready by the time the light streams bright through the windows and four sets of little feet tromp down the stairs.
In reality, I’m so immune to my alarm that I have to change the tune weekly just so I won’t ignore it. Quiet time rarely happens in the quiet, and my coffee almost always grows cold during the mildly organized chaos of our current morning routine. That early light that streams into the dining room is my favorite of the day in theory, but actually sitting down at the table first thing in the morning can nearly blind a girl.
In my imagination, mornings are smooth and peaceful. In reality, they are a battle. I think this is, in part, what John wants his readers to see: the Christian life is beautiful, but it is also a battle. Light and darkness are always at odds, and we can expect to be involved in the clash.
But John’s message is not one of despair. On the contrary, it is one of confidence and bold encouragement. The light of Christ is already shining, and the darkness has no choice but to retreat in its wake. The presence of darkness in our world, and even in our hearts, is not something we have to muster up the strength to fix. It isn’t fodder for resolutions or self-help, like my lackluster morning routine. The darkness is both already conquered (2Timothy 1:10), and constantly being conquered by our light-bearing Savior (1John 2:8). Our battle is ultimately a matter of faith in Jesus, the conquering one. And so John reminds the Church of what they already know of their salvation.
To the “little children” of the faith, he reminds them: “Your sins have been forgiven” and “you have come to know the Father” (1John 2:12,14). Their salvation is secure, their reconciliation to the Father is complete (v.5).
To the “fathers,” the elders in the faith, he says (twice): “You have come to know the one who is from the beginning” (vv.13,14). God is the same God they’ve known, and known to be faithful, from the first day they believed.
To the “young men,” or those growing in the faith, he assures: “You are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one” (v.14). This is not “you can be” or “maybe one day you will be.” This is “you have” and “you are.”
Notice a pattern here?
This battle is not a matter of mustering. This is a matter of trusting. The true light does not need me to flip the switch. He is already shining. My part is to stay close to Him, to walk with Him, to heed John’s warning not to sin or flirt with the darkness—not for lack of grace but out of a longing for the light of Christ to shine through (1John 2:1). With Christ in us, we are already equipped to battle the darkness. He has given us His strength and His armor (Ephesians 6:10–11). He has even conquered the foe. The darkness is not going down without a fight (1Peter 5:8), but the battle has already been won.
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117 thoughts on "Keeping God’s Commands"
He is the same God today and yesterday!
This refreshed and renewed me. Glory to God!
Funny start to the devo as I’m trying to create the perfect morning time setup but feeling anxious that everyone will be up soon.
“Not a battle of mustering, but of trusting” made an impression on me. It’s not in my strength, but me trusting in the strength of God.
What an uplifting combination of scripture and devotional! Thank you Jesus and srt
The true light is ALREADY shining – my part is to stay close to Him.
You have an you are. Amen.
Already *
I love the picture of a quiet and still morning before the sun is up and fresh coffee in my cup. The turning of Bible pages and time spent with Jesus. And that the battle is always won…he has overcome the world! Hallelujah
Madi, to answer your question about not feeling connected after reading “I am writing to children, fathers, men…” The way that Amanda explained it made me understand that John isn’t referring to literal children, fathers, or men, but he’s referencing steps of faith. Children, being those new to the faith; fathers being elders in faith and have believed for some time; with young men referring to those growing and learning in faith. I was confused with this language while reading the passages and was so thankful that Amanda addressed it in a way that I could understand. Hopefully, it helps you too and you can find a connection.
i loved reading “you have and you are.” i am conquering the darkness through god and he has already won! oh the grace
I love the reminder that the battle has been won. That God provided a way for us and still continues to do so. He is faithful in making sure we are prepared to be in the light.
It takes strength to battle darkness really stuck with me.
I love breaking down the armor of God. One thing that jumped out to me is that We are called to have our ‘feet fitted and ready with the gospel of PEACE!!’ Meaning that wherever we GO… (with our feet) we go with Peace… a godly peace that surpasses all understanding!! I am encouraged today to remain conscience of this as I do my daily tasks. I will not be burdened with the covid doom and gloom that surrounds us. I will choose to walk in PEACE that the Lord is in control and I can rest my weary body in him!! It truly surpasses all understanding, and I’m SO okay with that!! Thank you Lord!!
What an encouragement that we have the confidence of Christ, and can rest assured in this!
Blessed be to God Almighty
This spoke right into my home this morning.
I’m always trying to “self-help” when I really just need to trust. Jesus has got this and He’s much more capable than I am! I just need to lean into Him and know that He is Lord.
I am so right there with you!
I think I need a tattoo with the sword of the Spirit :)
This was such a comforting reading of the scripture. We know the most amazing God, the one and only God. Thank you Jesus and thank you Holy Spirit for spreading the knowledge of The love of God On our hearts
I HAVE and I AM. Mustering versus trusting. It’s time to pick up the gifts left by my God and and find rest for my soul.
I need to remember that when it comes to battling my sin struggles that I don’t need to flirt with darkness but battle with the Lord’s strength and ask him daily in prayer to lead me in the battle. I don’t need to try to muster my effort or strength in the battle.
This reading is exactly what I needed for my quiet time this morning. ❤
This reading was exactly what I needed! I needed the reminder to constantly be in my armor
I too envision the perfect time with my GOD and sometimes it’s there with a walk by the ocean or hiking in the mountains. However it’s the harried times with the bustle of life that I am reminded who HE is and what HE is to me. Thanks b to GOD who is the victor!
Amen! I completed my workbook study but somehow missed the devotional- so thankful for the extra encouragement on this day!
This is a good word!
Faith in Jesus… the battles are already won!!
I love SRT! I have never done well at studying the bible on my own. i never knew where to start. now i am finally starting to understand more biblical context than i could before! I am very curious and have a question maybe someone can help me with? In today’s reading, he writes “I am writing to children, fathers, men…” I know things were different back then, but it makes me start to feel disconnected to the message. like its not specifically for me. would someone be able to help me understand this?
I’m a day behind, but this word was right on time. I needed this strengthening today.
Love this. I needed Ephesians 6:10-20 today!
These days feel like a battle to stay present with Peace rather than giving fear a foothold that soon invades my life. The temptation to peek into the future of when this will end robs my peace of today. Thank you Amanda … the battle is not mustering it is trusting. Anchoring today in what has already been done by the one who LOVED me! Happy Wednesday everyone!
I get so easily disturbed by all the things around me…I honestly don’t have a quiet time as often as I know I should. I’m trying to work on it, to allow this crazy situation we are dealing with in our world to help push me back to God more. I need to not let the distractions win.
I am right there with you.
The more you get to know Him, the more your life changes
Loved being reminded of the armor of God in today’s reading. Now more than ever we need to be equipped against the evil one and remember that we are strong and Gods word is within us.
It helps me realize that the battle has already been won and we need to continue to put our armor of God in !
So, so good.
Today’s reading was definitely an AHA moment for me in that obeying God’s commandments isn’t just about showing that I love God but it also shows that I really understand that God loves me. It was a moment that I realized His commandments are not to hinder me in any way or stop me from having fun but they’re actually to benefit me.
Everything I have read or listened to lately has pointed me back to resting in Christ. It’s so easy to say, but much harder to do. I have been encouraged by the last 2 days of this study to be assured of my salvation, and to rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
Yes Megan ! “ Resting in Christ”
Yes Megan ! “Resting in Christ ! “
Lord please help me to remember the gifts that you have already equipped me with to battle darkness when I am tempted to sin.
1. I have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ (1 John 2:2)
2. The word of god lives in me (1 John 2:14)
3. I am strong because of the lord and his mighty power (eph 6:10)
4. I can put on the armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate if righteousness, and shield of faith (Ephesians 6:14-17)
5. I can pray “on all occasions with all kinds of requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)
6. The battle against darkness has already been won!
This devotional reminds me that we are in this tension of being a child of God but still having to walk out our salvation. We know that in Christ we are perfect, but we are continually being sanctified. Christ has won the war, but there are still battles to be fought.
Candy, praying right now for the Lord to give you wisdom and discernment as you deal with this relationship issue. Praying that your spirit is tender to the Lord’s leading. Praying He provides the words and holds back those which should not be said. I pray for a calm demeanor regardless of the other person’s reaction. I pray that the timing is beneficial to you all and that minds are receptive and ears hear clearly what is being expressed. I pray that honesty and transparency are present in you both. I pray that the entire discussion would please the Lord and that you both walk away feeling heard and understood. Even if not in agreement, may Newkirk of you be disagreeable. Let the whole event be peaceful as far as you are concerned. May you know you did your best in the eyes of the Lord.
Can I ask for prayer from this community? There are some relational issues to which I need to respond and I want to do so in the way God desires. I am seeking God’s wisdom and direction. I know going into them that it may not be pretty, but if I handle them in the way God desires and please Him, that is all that matters. And I really need God to guide me in this. Thank you in advance.
Praying!
Definitely standing in agreement for you Candy! : )
Praying for wisdom and direction!
Praying!
Always nice to be reminded that all we need is Christ himself. We need his truth and his word and that is what will get used through the day. Staying in His light to overcome the darkness.
Amen! The light is already shining! This spoke to me as I struggle with good intentions to wake up early and have quiet time with God, but it does not always happen. I am constantly praying through out the day, when know one else knows! These last few weeks have been a struggle with currently being unemployed as a hairstylist and now being a teacher to 3 kids, Jesus is with me through this! I am leaning into Him! I never feel alone, and I know He knows my needs and will provide! In Jesus name, Amen!
Praying God provides for you in every way!
It’s easy for me to fall into the trap of thinking it is the quiet morning time that allows me to feel peace throughout the day rather than the presence of God Himself. I cherish the early morning time, and I will continue to prioritize it and make the effort to get up early, but I so easily make the morning time an idol, placing my hope for comfort and peace on the circumstances of the time rather than on the God I’m supposedly meeting there. The reading and devotional this morning have been a timely reminder that what I need is Christ, and He is enough, even on the days when my morning doesn’t go as planned. He promises to give me rest—the exact opposite of my self-imposed burden to “try harder” to live up to my concept of an ideal morning quiet time.
I love this perspective! I have never thought about how we can even idolize a time of day for our devotional, instead of God himself. I know that being a new mom I have had to be flexible about what my quiet time looks like.
“Our battle is ultimately a matter of faith in Jesus” Wow this hit me hard this morning. I’m remembering to have faith in Him. All of his promises are yes and Amen.
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Faith salvation and the word of God… all three are necessary to resist the evil one.. you can’t just have faith you have to be saved and study the word… may your word always be there to draw me each day to strengthen my faith in my salvation so that I may be able to handle the evil forces around me
I am and always been an early riser. Unfortunately with all the changes going on in our world has changed that. BUT, that’s my fault! I’m the one that stays up with my night owl kids causing me to get up later then what I’m used to. I miss my early mornings before the sun is up, the quiet house, just me and Jesus. While it’s still just me and Jesus I miss those early-morning days. I need to discipline myself and go back. Especially now that my daughter likes to do the devotions with me. This way I do it twice. First early in the morning just me and Jesus then later morning with Jesus, my daughter, and I. Sigh!
Kelsea, keep in mind you’re still having your time with Jesus! And that’s what matters! I try to keep that in mind myself. Our schedules have shifted to accommodate our “new” normal. For me it’s meant my daughter and I are getting into the WORD “together.” I just need to discipline myself again and go to bed early so that I have my “alone” time with Jesus.
Amanda reminded me of how Christ won my battle against sin by dieing on the cross for me. I need to remember He is my light in my darkness, especially now in my life. He is the one I can turn to and He will not abandon me no matter what I do or how far I stray. I need to let my light for God, Christ and the Holy Spirit shine through even in my dark days. I am turning to You Lord to shine in me.
Diana, I understand exactly what you are saying! My adult son frequently reminds me of my mistakes. He has turned away from God and he has some strange ideas and beliefs. He complains about the time I spend in Bible study and going to church. My late husband and I did our best to train him in the Lord. I needed this reminder that I cannot change him. I pray fervently for him, but it is in the Lord’s hands. Please pray for us and I am praying for you and your daughter.
So good!!
A beautiful reminder… “He is already shining.” ♡
Absolutely!
This reading and devotion are timely for me. Because of a recent conversation with my adult daughter, I’ve been reminded of past parenting failures. Though my daughter professes faith in Christ, her life and priorities seemed to be more worldly–“the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life.” I know that even the best parents are not guaranteed strong believing children, yet we are responsible to train them up in the Lord. I am very aware of where I missed the boat in many ways because of my own sin of wrong priorities when she was growing up. Today I am grateful for the reminder that it is not me who can fix me or her. Jesus Christ, the righteous, is my advocate and hers. She and I had begun a Bible study using Google docs several months ago, but she has admitted not really motivated to do it. Since COVID-19 and change in routine, it has fallen by the wayside in her life. As I acknowledged understanding in the struggle to reorient due to a major routine change, I also encouraged her to get back to it. So, now I’m praying for the Light to touch her heart and mind and give her a new desire and hunger for the word of God. May he have mercy on her and me and all my SRT friends here.
I’m not sure how old your daughter is but I too get caught up in the worldly Instagram life of nice things and possessions more so that spending much needed time with God. Ordering the study guide has really helped me stay the course. It’s a beautiful magazine and really makes quiet time enjoyable. You may want to consider gifting it to her if you can afford to do so. Either way stay the course and keep praying.
I hear you Diana. My 24 year old has decided to live in a life that is contrary to what she always said she wanted.. she is also choosing to distance herself from her siblings also… it’s so hard… I feel God telling me to be silent because my “concern” caused her to hate me more… I miss her daily but she has to live this life.
He is so good. My heart is full this morning as I look at my to-do list. I am such an anxious person, and I expect myself to be perfect (although I know I am NOT, and I am reminded of it constantly- haha). Our God is a conqueror and we are already on the winning side- my tasks and due dates are so, so minuscule. When we mess up, and Lord knows that we will, we are still winning. I thank Jesus for this community of amazing women; I am praying for each of you reading the words of this devotion today.
Put on the whole armour of God Almighty and when you do it defeats the devil’s schemes
Amen! The light is already shining! Yet not I but through Christ in me!
I am in agreement with a lot of you ladies, it is so difficult to get up and spend time in the Word like I so desperately desire when sleep and the morning rush beckon. This stay at home order has allowed me to wake up more slowly and gives me all the time I need for prayer and meditation! What a gift in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. I have found that turning on “screen time” for all of my apps other than SRT allows me to do my bible study FIRST without being distracted by those pesky red notification bubbles.
This is a fantastic idea!
For many years the morning quite had been my favorite. I have guarded this time with the Lord and he meets me here.
This morning I woke up to unsettling news. Someone who has broken in to our home and threatened our lives has been released from jail. So it is with racing heart that I sat down for my time with Him. Daily I pray on the Armor of God, today I am reminded that the battle is not against flesh and blood but the evil one in the unseen realm. I am choosing to trust in the Lord for my strength and protection. I would ask you to pray for us and that I don’t fear. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; mybuckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Ps 18:2
Praying for peace, for the Lord to give you a deep and sustaining peace. So sorry this has happened in your life, I know that God will use all of it for His glory and your good, a promise!
Praying for u and yours Jill K ❤️❤️
Praying for you Jill and your family in this difficult time. It is truly scary to move forward when you become a victim of crime. I pray that god will ease your mind and your worries. On another note.. have you filed for a protection order against this individual?
Victory comes when we battle the darkness with light, no darkness can withstand the light. Today has been full of encouragement. Being reminder that we need to be more like Jesus, and love like him. We are indeed blinded with darkness when we have hate for our bothers and sisters. Leave it all to God, be at peace, get rig of the darkness. This is what I think of while reading 1 John today. Have a blessed day everyone! ❤️
Your quiet mornings will come some day but they will come when you have had to drop off your child to college or watch them walk the isle into another’s arms. All beautiful things but hard. That is such a picture of our lives. We have good with bad always. But we rejoice in the good and trust God in the difficult. Either way our focus is God.
Amen, to everything there is a season ❤️
this was such an encouragement this morning- the light is shining. the true Light is and wills always win. the true Light is calling you to bask in His warmth. It is already won. It is already finished.
I’m so thankful for this good word. I felt the contrast of the mornings in my bones. God is with us in the chaos.
Thank you, Amanda Bible Williams. Faithfully communicated! This brought tears as I read it aloud to my husband. Well done. All thanks to God!
Ohhh this is right on!!! Those quiet morning hours are rare but beautiful!! Especially in these times it’s hard to have a second alone! I have to guard up and put my gear on daily!!
The analogy of the ideal morning is so perfect. I sometimes think that the Christian life should be this beautiful perfect peaceful glide through life. Of course I’ve learned it’s not that, it is truly a battle against darkness, but there is such beauty in God’s love and grace and the peace we have in the fray. Thank you all for sharing; it is so refreshing to come here and be with others dedicated to the Word.
I have replaced my social media scrolling in the morning with my She Reads Truth bible studies and devotions. It has made such a huge difference on the way my days go! I see the light of Jesus and the good in everything instead of focusing on all the bad in the world right now. I pray to stay focused on God and know that good will come out of this pandemic. Hope everyone has a blessed day!
Yes me too! God first makes a world of difference. I am praying for surrender of everything in my life. Let go of control and surrender it all to God.
Such a great devo and a reminder that when we put on the armor of Christ, there isn’t a battle that we can’t win.
Such a sweet reminder to know that we have already won the battle through Jesus!!! All we have to do is remain in Him. Not my strength or resilience, but HIS.
I have this voice inside my head that is constantly questioning my faith and salvation. It’s rather annoying. This is the perfect reminder that it is not by my power that I am saved, it’s His. And today I will remind myself that the battle is already won.
I struggle with that too Mattie! In my heart I know I am, but the enemy loves to make me doubt or feel inadequate that I’m not doing enough. This was a great reminder that it’s not up to me, I just need to stay near Him and his light will shine. So refreshing!
Thank you Christ for winning the battle for us so that we may have abundant love and relationship with you.
Amen!!!!
“It’s not about mustering, it’s about trusting.” What a beautiful, hope filled reminded. I fall into the pattern of feeling like my salvation/fight is on me and I KNOW I cannot do it in my own strength. I will never have it together enough to “earn” grace. But that was never my job. My “job” is to stick close to Jesus and allow Him to do the work that only He can do.
This posture is what I’m longer for too, Brittany! I’m always thinking I must do (perform) when in reality we just need to abide (be) with Jesus.
AMEN. This type A girl is always trying to be perfect and everything to everyone…including being perfect for God. But God knows me better than I know myself and He knows that no matter how hard I try, I can never measure up to his standard. Through His son, Jesus Christ, I am made whole. While my tendency is to want to gain His love through my deeds, I know that His unfailing love is already upon me and his arms are stretched out to hold me.
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The battle is not a matter of mustering – it’s a matter of trusting. Truer words…love that.
Praying in agreement with you.
I tend to focus on my wrongdoings & self criticize which leads down a rabbit hole. I appreciated this message as a reminder that today, I will try to flip the dialogue & remind myself to live in the light. Striving towards the light with the Holy Spirit & armor of God.
♥️
These quiet morning hours are a gift. I need them to face these days of working from home and also guiding three kids through their daily schoolwork. The ground under my feet at work (I’m a consultant in the corporate interiors industry) is shifting every week now, if not daily. If I didn’t get up and read these words and apply them to my heart and my attitude every morning….the weight of this quarantine would feel too heavy. It does feels like armor sometimes.
Because I am a Holy Spirit bearer, darkness is smoke and mirrors to me. Darkness attempts to distort and confuse and frighten. The Light I have, the Light I turn to and focus on, cuts through and clears the air. There is no distortion, confusion or fear in God’s Word. He is always yes and Amen. Darkness is nothing more than a wisp, dispersed effectively by the spoken Word. Do not be deceived, dear friends. Greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world.
Beautiful truth.
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This morning I woke up with the verse from Romans 12:21 on my mind. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. During this time of darkness I have been pondering how to turn the negative into positive. Rather than trying to flee the darkness, run toward the light. Rather than trying not to sin, focus on Jesus and His love. I read yesterday that rather than saying I’m a sinner saved by grace, try ‘I’m a saint who sometimes sins’. It is a subtle difference, but an important one. We have been saved and forgiven. Let’s act like it!
God is good, God is light. Let us, as Amanda said, long for the Light of Christ. Fill my thoughts and words with love and joy. The darkness has already been overcome. Let us live in the light.
Amen!
Amen!!!! We are more than conquerors by the blood of Christ!
This is so what I needed, Bessie. I am so moved by this verse and it has stuck with me the most. To be honest, I find it so ‘easy’ to turn a bad situation into a good situation. Or a not-so-nice person into a ‘good person with flaws.’ I sometimes have to bite my tongue because of anger or frustration (darkness calling) but I know that longing for the Light or Christ is where my heart is and always will be!
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. But, there is a battle.
Our strength is in Jesus.
Armor on – Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, The Word of God, Prayer
Yoked to Him, learn and find rest.
May we be yoked to Him and drawn into the Light.
Yesterday some spoke of the hovering darkness, may God’s Light shine bright and draw you to His warmth and peace.
To the one who spoke of coming back to Jesus, welcome home.
We are not meant for the darkness.
We were born for the Light.
Yes we have to trust in our Lord, when my so was little and he was upset or afraid before school we always put on the invisible armor of God as we recited Ephesians 6. And not only did Nate go off to school prepared for his days with God, I felt the same way. Maybe it is time to start doing the same again. How blessed we are to have such a good, encouraging , loving, caring Father.
I don’t know what I would do without Him.
Love this image of you and your son preparing for the day. ❤️That is precious and certainly needed now even as adults! Christy Nockels has a song called Head to Toe (The Armor of God Song) on her Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved album that I love. My son is two but I love singing songs from this album over him since they are filled with truth from Scripture.
I love this… I’m far away still from teenage years with my children but I like this so much. I may start that now with myself.
Thank you!
Thank You, God that the battle is won! Thank You, Jesus that You are our Advocate, Mediator, and Savior! Thank You for your willing sacrifice and Your Blood that will never lose its power!
https://youtu.be/krscB5HJ2LU