A Juxtaposition of Beauty

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What a tragic time. What a glorious time.

It may sound odd for me to think there is anything glorious about this current season, but I see God’s brilliance and glory during this dark storm.

You know those sunny days that suddenly find themselves assaulted by dark clouds that move in so fast and aggressively, that for a moment you wonder if it’s the end of the world? There is thunder and lightning so vicious that it shakes you to your core. That’s what the last few months have felt like.

But sometimes in the middle of those storms, it gets quiet. A breach appears in the darkness, and the sun bursts through! It’s a juxtaposition of beauty seen in the dark and the light.

During this darkness, there are still people reaching out to others, expressing their love, expressing their concern, and sometimes even their lack of understanding. Hearts are being changed.

There seems to be so many “sides” in this battle, but it’s important to understand this isn’t a battle between me and you, black and white, masks and no masks, police and everyone else. No. This is a spiritual battle over souls. Don’t be mistaken. This is war, and the evil one is out for blood.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

The enemy promotes division, confusion, and isolation. He creates chaos of words, which ultimately results in friends and family, who once loved, or at least respected each other to fight and often become estranged enemies. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Don’t you see it every day on social media?

When a heart breaks, what flows out of it will be what it has been filled with. We must fill our hearts, minds, and souls with the love of Christ, so there is no other course of action but to love each other beyond our differences. Sometimes it's hard to know what to say that doesn’t come straight from our own opinions, so we need help.

When we struggle with the words to use, remember that we can count on God to give us what we need. “The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.” Luke 12:12

Our desire to love and please the Creator will be seen in our concern for others, through our questions, and willingness to listen and learn. Put others above yourself (Philippians 2:3). Do not allow the enemy to destroy the foundation God has laid down for your life. During this heavy and difficult time, we must make the choice to love, to be a light, and to be a part of the change.

"I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Underneath the heaviness of grief and pain, a grand sense of hope is rising. I see change, I see love, and on the horizon, I see peace.

It is glorious.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

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