And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:3-5
I have always been drawn to images of light breaking through the darkness. I find these images even more powerful than that of a rainbow; though, those are also beautiful in their own way. Perhaps it is because I am someone who has struggled with some pretty dark internal battles. Perhaps it is simply because I love the various shades of light and dark on display for all to see. No matter the reason, these images mean a lot to me.
If we took a minute, we could list some pretty heavy examples of ways we see this interplay of light and dark in the world today. I am someone who internalizes the emotions and energy of the world around me. Those, combined with my very lively internal world, does not leave me in the healthiest emotional and mental state. That is one reason I find myself very particular about how much news I absorb in a given day. Some of you may recognize that in yourself as well.
Sometimes the weight of what I have internalized sneaks up on me and leaves me crushed beneath some very cruel self-talk. Last week, I found myself in this place. Who knows exactly what caused it or why it happened. All I knew was that I found myself internally stuck in a downward pointed spiral. It actually woke me up early one morning. As I laid in bed, eyes blurred with tears and crunched closed (hoping sleep would take over and win the awfulness), words of a prayer began to rise up. It was ultimately that simple one word prayer, “Help.” I can’t honestly say it was prayed in full confidence of faith. It was simply there. I rolled over and suddenly the Word spoke into my darkness. I saw with clarity the trustworthy promise, “Behold I make all things new.” A kind of light broke through and the weight of it all was lifted. I did nothing to cause this. It was the power of Christ reaching out to break me free from the internal prison in which I had found myself.
The words, “I am making all things new” has remained a beacon for me this week. Its resonance pulling me back to the truth that the past is past. See, God is doing a new thing. No amount of darkness can hold it back. No past regrets or imperfections. No –ism or prejudice. No thing.
God is reaching out to break each of us free in just the ways we need so we can boldly live the new life promised in Christ. We are emboldened by what God has done in Christ to live as beacons in the world, lighting the way for others who may be surrounded by the darkness of hate dividing us from our neighbors and self.
Do you see? How is God reaching through the storm to bring you light? Where is God leading you to share this light in the world? In what ways are you emboldened to live what is trustworthy and true?
Let us pray...
God, you come to us with the quiet persistence of the sun breaking through the cloudiest of days. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds to see, know, and recognize the ways you break us free to new life day after day. Embolden us to live in this freedom as we love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us for the ways we so easily forget this simple command. Forgive us for the ways we may make choices that do not reflect your truth. Fill us with your power and Spirit so we may live as beacons for others, leading them to the light of your truth. Amen.
Casey Cross
Young Disciples Director
Hope Lutheran Church, Eagle, ID
This Post Has 2 Comments
You so eloquently wrote about your personal experience that also speaks for so many others. Thank you for that moving devotion and prayer.
Thanks you. I needed your words today.