The Silver Lining in this Storm
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
The narrow path along the road of life undoubtedly unexpected twists and turns.
For many living within these times, life looks different than they had anticipated. And things are not going back to the way they used to be anytime soon.
It has forever been changed.
There is history being written, which undoubtedly is affecting people in various ways.
Families. Couples. Individuals. All members of society have felt the weight of crisis, and its consequences are experienced in varying degrees.
It may be hard for us to see past the circumstances of today. Yet, the questions of the future seem to linger without a definite time of explanation.
However, in reflecting on the new way of life, there is an astonishing beauty hidden within the unexpected. Once the dust has settled amidst the disorder, there resides a surprising gift, if only we would take hold of it.
What if life is supposed to look different?
The simplicity of life has been born from this season of life. There are responsibilities, of course. But for many, it has been a time of stripping away from the “normal” life we once participated in.
The replacement has been more time for reflection and meditation. I have heard many vocalize the significance of taking inventory of their life. Actively deciding which parts they are content with and which aspects they need to get rid of. In meditation, many are choosing to replace the mundane, everyday life, or even lies they have believed for years with the truth of God’s word.
What if God has been using this time to teach us how to slow down?
To open our eyes to what He would desire us to see. To take the time to sit down and listen to what the gentle, quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit is speaking to our souls. To heal what has been buried inside of our souls for so long. To bring truth to the lies you believe about yourself, or circumstances, or others. To experience the blessings of everyday life that otherwise, we would have rushed through. To treasure the moments that we’ll never get back. To learn what it truly means to live.
And most importantly, to cultivate a dependency on God that we were designed to have from the very start.
What if God still intends to use this time to bring a beauty that can only be experienced in this time?
This is not to minimize the pain many have experienced. There are very real events in our lives that leave us hurting. Many of us have shed tears during this time, experienced heartache, dealt with loneliness, or battled an aggravated mental illness.
God sees the tears, and He does not turn His face away from our pain. Rather, He embraces us and waits for us to come, so that He can be our source of comfort. The Lord is empathetic towards the tears we have cried, the loneliness we feel, or the frustration we hold inside.
The Lord sees us.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “God allows us to feel the frailty of human love so we’ll appreciate the strength of His.”
Perhaps the instability of the times is a very tangible reminder that the things of the world are so fragile. In this recognition, we can learn to appreciate the hope of eternal life, which is made possible for believers in Jesus Christ. We were created for eternity, for our heavenly home. The uncertainty of the world can draw our attention back to being aware of heaven and an eternal perception.
Scripture states: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
These events are not a surprise to God. He is in control and has placed us in this period of history for such a time as this. He can still bring beauty in the midst of sorrow.
I know personally, there is nothing that can quiet the roaring waves of my soul more than the assurance that I am securely placed in the hands of Father.
As we depend on Him, we can look towards the promise of heaven for those in a relationship with Christ. And in having an eternal perspective, it allows us to find the purpose for our journey on earth and to prioritize accordingly.
In the meantime, my hope is that we would be encouraged that God can use this season and turn it into something truly beautiful. And while we wait, there is still work left to do.
Blessings,
