There is somewhere deep within my soul that screams, "No!!" in response to tragedy and suffering. Almost a visceral response, a sickening feeling, and an ache deep within. Do you feel it? I was not made for this! We were not made for this, Lord!
When I hear news of a random shooting, or I hear of torture, or cancer, or adultery, or trafficking... I want to weep and scream and escape all at the same time. Something deep within my soul just moans, "No! Just stop the madness!"
We were not made for this... the ripping and tearing and pain that happens in our hearts, our minds, and our bodies with pain and suffering. We were made for something else. We were made for life--- eternal life. We were made for an unending love-connection with God and our brothers. We were made for peace and freedom. Not this.
Not death, destruction, lies and corruption. It isn't right. It just isn't right. And we know it. Our souls, my soul knows it keenly.
When Paul prays in Ephesians for the new believers there, he asks God to enlighten the eyes of their hearts. How does a heart see? What is it my heart is seeing right now? Paul asks God to open the eyes of their hearts so that they can be aware and know hope. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord!
We just must see beyond. We need to know hope.
Hope. Is that the answer to this screaming tantrum my soul is having in light of current news reports of evil?
Paul asks God to show their hearts the hope of their inheritance. The children of God are heirs.
Inheritance has both a "now and not yet" idea with it, doesn't it? Even with a superficial financial inheritance we know this to be true. The "now" concept of a secure inheritance brings the heir a freedom of living and light-hearted trust in tomorrow. Simply by knowing they are an "heir" is a positive label and banner to be held high. All things will be okay for this person---they don't have worry about tomorrow. Just in this simple example of monetary inheritance, small "bumps" in ones finances don't bother too much---because, in the end all will be just fine. It will all work out.
I am an heir. But, Scripture reminds me that being an heir with Christ, my brother, means that I have to share in His suffering (how do you think these shootings and sickness feel to him?). But, being an heir with Christ also means that I will one day share in His glory. I have a hope to share in glory---this is truly beyond me! You, too, have this hope if you are Christ's sister or brother! You are an heir.
We have this hope for our future... I have hope for my spiritual, emotional and physical future. I do know that all will be okay. I can walk in peace with the banner of Truth over my heart and life. And, I know that in the end all debts will be paid for and all "bumps" will be made right. It does help to remember this. It does help to walk in the Truth of who He is, who I am in Him, and what His bigger plan is for the future...
All will be made right. This is hope.
All will be made right. This is hope.
Though, if I am honest, ...today... Today, all is absolutely not right. And, it pains me deeply. Today I need a little more light, Father God, to open the eyes of this here heart. Because today I just feel sad and angry. I feel the rip and tearing of pain. We need You to light our eyes and fill our hearts with hope of our inheritance of joy, peace, and Your glory!
The crooked will be made straight. (Isaiah 40:4)
Sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:9,10)
"Make your Now the richer and deeper this Christmas by drinking at the fountain of Forever, it is so near." ~John Piper
The crooked will be made straight. (Isaiah 40:4)
Sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:9,10)
"Make your Now the richer and deeper this Christmas by drinking at the fountain of Forever, it is so near." ~John Piper
