Blackout Curtains

My son currently works from 6 PM to 4:30 AM. These hours require that he sleep during the daytime. When he has worked nights in the past, the greatest hindrance to daytime sleep was always the light in the room. In anticipation of this job, he searched for a solution that would black out every bit of light. The curtain he purchased is made of a very thick material. It also came with rods that would fit it to the window so that no light could enter around the edges. With this curtain in place and the door to the hallway shut, the room is pitch black. Even on the sunniest days there is no evidence of light in this room. The darkness creates an environment conducive to sleep.

I have walked into Jon’s room on days when he is not home. It is startling to me, to pass from the hallway which is indirectly lit from sunshine spilling through the windows of other rooms in the house. The darkness is so pronounced. Without turning on a light switch, I can barely find my way through the room. Locating empty hangers from his closet (the usual reason I would enter his room when he is not home) would never be possible without turning the light on. All of this is created by one thick, carefully placed curtain.

The light of the gospel shines all around us. “There it was—the true Light [was then] coming into the world [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] that illumines every person.” (John 1:9 AMP) Unhindered this light will flood into every area of life.

Sin can block the light from entering our hearts. As we stray a little from God the blockage is not so obvious. It begins as a thin curtain that obscures some light but still allows much to enter in. As we continue in rebellion more and more light is blocked out. Blocking out the light takes effort. By intentionally choosing to disobey God, we can build up walls around our hearts to block out the light of His love. In this darkness it is difficult to find our way. “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4:19 AMP)

This darkness that surrounds our hearts encourages spiritual sleep. Our souls can become dull to the needs of others and the work God is performing in the earth. All around us the work and the glory of God is displayed, yet we miss it because we are spiritually asleep. The prophet Isaiah spoke these words to a disobedient people. “For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep. And He has closed your eyes, the prophets; and your heads, the seers, He has covered and muffled.” (Isaiah 29:10 AMP) Choosing darkness causes deep spiritual sleep.

This slumber is not the plan of God. “Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light.” (Ephesians 5:14 AMP) (Psalm 119:130 AMP) The light is always there around us. All that is needed for light to come flooding into the room is to pull away the rods and take down the curtain that blocks its path. God’s love, compassion and protection is shining. All that is necessary is to turn away from the sin that blocks his presence. “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) The window will burst open and the light of His love will pour into our hearts. “The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.”

It is time to wake up and remove any hindrance from the light and love of God. “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1 AMP) God desires to shine His love on us.

Tear away the blinds, shades, or curtains of the heart and allow the light to enter.  Remove the poles or rods of sinful behaviors that are keeping the hindrances in place.