The day we’re living in might not be “that day”, but it is the day we belong to.

Unlike “that day”, this day hasn’t come upon us as a thief in the night. Been more like a slow rolling tsunami which we saw coming, but had no idea how hard it would hit, or how long it would last, or how much collateral damage it would cause.

Nor would it seem that these days are like the days that will precede “that day.” I’m not hearing any voices saying that these times are marked by “peace and security.” Instead, regardless of where you find yourself on the various polarized continuums that mark our discourse in the public square, if there’s anything people seem to agree on it’s that this is a season of great turbulence and turmoil.

So no, the day we find ourselves may not be “that day” when the Lord will come as a thief in the night, and may not be “those days” when people have a fall sense of calm, but it is a day when we’d do well to remember afresh that we are children of the day, and that we belong to the day.

But you are not in darkness, brothers [and sisters], for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

(1Thessalonians 5:4-8 ESV)

This morning I’m chewing on what it means to belong to the day.

Dark times, but we are children of light. Many worldly voices seeking to bring us into their tribe, but we belong to the day.

The people of God should have an advantage navigating these crazy times. Not that it’s any easier for us, but neither should we be flailing around in the dark. We know the bigger picture. We understand the larger narrative. We have an eternal context for however this finite season plays out.

And, not to be trite, we really do know Who is in control in what seems to be such chaotic times. We know our God is sovereign. We know our God is good. We know His purposes will be accomplished. That’s why we can put on “the breastplate of faith.” Why we can cover ourselves with His love. Why we can hope amid so much hopelessness, confident that our God will bring our salvation to full completion.

We have at our disposal the word of God. We are indwelt always by the Spirit of God. Thus, we have for each day the mind of the Son of God (1Cor. 2:16). We belong to the day. We are children of light.

So, we can navigate these days with the peace of God. Navigate them even as we remain faithful to the mission of God. A dark world needs to see children of light. Those who are enveloped by the night need to see rays of faith, love, and hope. And such rays are emitted by those who belong to the day.

Today may not be “that day.” But “that day” is coming soon.

Right now, we belong to this day. And, as children of light forever, we belong to the day.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

(1Thessaonians 5:11 ESV)

By His grace. For His glory.