What Is the Title Saying? Alternative Realities?
In this crazy, upside-down world of 2023, we may face chaos, grief, calamity, and the darkness of evil. The Bible tells us we will: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33 NIV). Yet, God doesn’t desert us. That same verse begins by saying, “I have told you these things so that in ME you may have peace.” Can we also taste God’s inner peace, joy, grace, and light in our troubles? Impossible you may think, but Jesus promises us it is true.
The Presence of God in the Darkness of Grief
As a person who has walked through some pain, both emotional and physical, I can testify to the presence of God even in the gravest of my calamities. As I wrestled with the pain of grief and loss, “God showed up.” Unmistakeably! I realize such a phrase sounds trite when referring to an Almighty God, Creator of ALL! It is an amazing spiritual dimension, not unlike living in alternative universes at once. When I thought I could not go on, I felt God’s presence and encouragement to take one more step.
God Still Had a Plan for Me
Through people, scripture, song lyrics, and even in the silent darkness of my grief, God reminded me He had good plans for my life. “‘I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope,“‘ (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB). I didn’t know the future, but God did. I could trust God in my plight to take another step, to live another day. Did I feel “merry”? Not at all. I wept through the first Christmas I was alone. I did not want to attend any parties with friends. I mourned. I grieved. I was miserable. BUT …
God Was with Me
Did I know I was loved? Yes. God assured me He was with me. The One who knit me in my mother’s womb, who knew me better than I knew myself was beside me. The 23rd Psalm I learned as a child became real: “Even though I walk through the valley of the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me ….,” (Psalm 23:4-5 NIV). I started running to give an outlet to my emotional pain. Because I was a working mom, I ran at night. (Not smart, I know.) When everything around me shifted, giving me no sense of security or future hope, God whispered His love to me. What had once been “knowledge” of my faith, became the assurance of my faith in a very real God.
Lazurus, Job, Moses, Peter, and So Many More
In Proverbs 13:12 (NASB): “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” God shows us many instances of desire fulfilled after loss of hope in the Bible. One time, He even raised a dead man back to life! Talk about God showing up! The family had been grieving the death of their loved one, Lazurus when they had hoped Jesus would heal him, but no. Jesus came too late. Instead, Jesus raised Lazurus to life.
Of course, the book of Job tells the story of much loss, but then … healing and even prosperity came again.
Moses had given up on his dreams as he labored on the back side of the desert instead of enjoying the lifestyle of the King’s son. Then, God shows up and speaks to him through a burning bush that was not extinguishable. Suddenly, he was being called out for a God-sized purpose.
Peter was under arrest by King Herod while the believers in a home church prayed for him. Lo and behold, an angel visited the prison cell and he was miraculously set free.
Christmas Reminders of Hope, Peace, Joy, and God’s Beautiful Grace – No Matter What
Why am I sharing these miraculous events and discussing deep, dark losses on the cusp of our Christmas celebration? I do so because I know many people are struggling right now: finances, job loss, relationship fractures, children at odds with parents, a broken justice system, the turning of America away from God and His will, the evil we saw in Israel, and on and on. You may or may not be feeling the personal impact of some of these things, but at some point, some day, you may.
Here’s what I want you to remember. God is waiting for us to reach out for Him, for His whispers of love, His answers to prayers, His presence in the dark nights of the soul when we feel so alone. We can have peace, hope, grace enough to walk through the fires, and even a sense of joy as a child of God. James 4:8 reminds us to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us. He is waiting to take your hand now. He will lift you up and give you a future. Jesus came to Earth so we could have this awesome relationship with the God of the Universe as forgiven and cherished “children.” Unbelievable! Yet TRUE.
Draw near to the Lord and tell Him you are ready for Him to take your hand. He will lead you into your hope and purpose.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Here is a new Michael W. Smith Christmas song. Give it a listen!