“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Ps. 126:3). Because of these great things you have done we can at all times be “…joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Col. 1:12).

And you, Lord God, have given us this privileged position in your family against all logic, against all justice, against all the evidence that we definitely deserved condemnation, punishment, rejection, banishment, suffering, pain and death. Your love is sure and steady, powerful, penetrating and positive.

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness” This is an accomplished fact, a certainty that we are no longer the children of the devil, bound to sin, controlled by the prince of the power of the air, but have been freed by the blood of the Lamb!

“…and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:12-14).

What a powerful statement: “…in whom we have redemption,”…not “I hope so” but “I know so!” What a wonder, what a privilege, what an astounding, unbelievable, too-good-to-be-true outcome you have given us, Heavenly Father—we are pardoned, adopted, brought into the Kingdom and made co-heirs with Jesus and with the saints.

We now live in the light, are dearly loved, delighted in, doted on and deeply cared for. We have a future with you as well as a daily walk with you now. You give total provision, complete protection, loving direction, wise counsel, consistent correction, unswerving goodness and unending grace.

To know the Great Shepherd of souls, the Wise Warrior of prayer, the Powerful Planner of good, the Diligent Director of details, the Lasting Lover of sinners, the Triumphant Transformer of rebels, the Final Forgiver of our sins, the Great Giver of grace—what more could we want?!!!

Help us to live in the joy of knowing you, rather than seeking fulfillment on the garbage heap of this fallen world.

–From the devotional book EDIFIED!