Making All Things New

Several years ago now, I was jogging with a friend. He and his wife had recently lost a baby during their pregnancy. I can only imagine all the emotions he must have been experiencing. But as we were running, he said, “I’ve always struggled with the Christian theme of redemption – understanding what it means. But recently I think I got a glimpse. On the one hand, this has been the hardest thing that my wife and I have ever gone through. On the other hand, because we are going through this together, we have experienced a level of closeness and intimacy that I didn’t know was possible. I think we realized more than ever how fragile life is and how much we really need each other.”

His comments made me reflect on redemption and the way that life is layered. There is so much that is good and true and beautiful. And that often sits right alongside the heartache and violence and brokenness. But sometimes we do get a glimpse of the way in which God can bring good out of bad, beauty out of ugly, light out of the dark.

Psalm 30 makes the powerful claim that “With God, there is great power to redeem.” This is not a promise that life will be smooth or without suffering. But it is a promise that things will not always be as they are today. There is hope. God will have the last word. 

Let us pray: Today, loving God, I lift up to you those who are carrying heavy burdens. For those who feel as though they are in the midst of the darkest night. Meet them at this moment that they would sense your loving presence. Grant each of us today eyes to see your hand at work in our lives – even now; for you are the God who has promised to make all things new. Amen.