Hope for the Future and Comfort for the Present

There are things I like about all four seasons of the year.  I particularly like fall for the changing of the leaves, a panorama of beauty as I travel past the Blue Mountains in my area and even the trees in my yard. The beauty of nature reminds me of our Creator God; and the changing of the seasons, year after year, reminds me of the order God has created.

Even though we live in a fallen world where we suffer loss and grief, God has a way of taking the broken pieces of our lives and bringing some good out of them.  God does not cause the pain or suffering, but He allows it to happen for we have not yet reached the restored creation He has promised. 

Just as we know the seasons will follow one another year after year; even more so, we believe God will one day bring about restoration of all things when His Kingdom will be established in all its splendor for ever and ever.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.  The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore.  And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.  It was prepared like a bride dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Now God’s presence is with people, and he will live with them, and they will be his people.  God himself will be with them and will be their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.’” (Revelation 21:1-4)

It is wonderful to have this hope that is revealed to us in the above Scripture, but it is also comforting to know that, in the meantime,

“The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop.  They are new every morning; Lord your loyalty is great.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)