Regarding Hope

Based on Isaiah 59-60, Psalm 115:1-8, Proverbs 26:23, and Ephesians 5:17-33.

As we stand in the midst of trouble and more breaking of our already broken world, we see You, GOD, and we realize that our iniquities have separated us from You. We have made ourselves crooked paths that do not lead to peace and never will. You are calling to us, having  declared for millennia that whoever takes those paths shall not know peace. Ever.

That is a serious mistake, yet, despite Your warnings, we continue to ignore  them -- stumbling at noonday as if it were twilight, walking in blackness, groping for the wall as if we had no eyes. We are as dead men in desolate places, for our choices testify against us. Even now, Your arm brings forth salvation for those who turn from transgression, and You say to each and every one of us,"Arise, shine; for your Light has come!"

Thus Your glory is risen upon  us, even while the darkness covers the earth and deep darkness covers the people. May You arise and Your glory will be seen upon us. Then many shall see and become radiant. Then You will make an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations! Then we shall know that You, LORD, are our Savior and our Redeemer, our everlasting light. And the days of our mourning shall be ended.

Therefore, Father in heaven, we will understand Your will and follow You with eyes that see and ears that hear and minds and hearts that trust in You alone. No longer will we trust in the work of men's hands, but in only You, who fills us with Your Spirit through Christ our Savior and LORD. For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones -- a great mystery, like the joining of a man and wife who become one flesh. We do love You, LORD, and respect Your inestimably gracious gift to us, that You might sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of the Word, that You might present us, Your glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish.

Thank You for saving us, sanctifying us, nourishing us, cherishing us, and making us to live, Alive, in Christ and He in us. We surrender to Your power in awe of You, submitted to Your protection and Your wisdom, with songs in our hearts!  We give You t glory, thanks, and unending praise in Christ our LORD. Amen.

 This photograph is by Kristofer Rowe.