Son-Rise

Dark times are inevitable. Whether it be through loss, grief, work stress, or relational strain, life has a way of bringing in some unwanted clouds and instead of bringing shade, it brings a sense of gloom and discouragement. During these times, we may begin to question things and promises we believed so wholeheartedly from the Lord. We begin to doubt if God really has an intentional goodness towards us and if we should start picking up the slack because we no longer see the light. We begin to assume we are doing something wrong because we are not witnessing any manifested fruit. If not properly adjusted, the darkness has a way in drowning out the light we have held on and been accustomed to for so long.

In church today, my pastor spoke on the difference between being buried and being planted. Being planted can truly feel a lot like being buried but being able to discern the difference can certainly influence how we choose to respond to the darkness it requires. This brings me hope to think about another One who was in the darkness, whose body was actually buried…Jesus. Jesus knows what it is like to be in the darkness but I believe this too was a symbol of the glory that comes with being planted because He rose. Our bodies are temporal, vulnerable to the world’s problems and can be overcome with darkness but through His resurrection, we see that these are still just opportunities for God to raise up something greater into the light.

I am currently in a time where I can feel the weight of the darkness of the tomb, as God is killing and burying old ways and ideologies I still possess. Ways, behaviors and beliefs that I have not surrendered over to Him on a cross for Him to resurrect with a newness, purity, and holy reflection of Him. I have been feeling fruitless, and maybe I have been through disobedience and a reluctance to surrender, but there is hope. This fight within myself that I have been experiencing that has left me feeling stagnant and borderline regressive, is evidence that God is still working within me, He has not abandoned me as my flesh and spirit continues to wage war (Galatians 5:17) against one another. I am not buried because I am not dead, but God is constantly killing things within me that is not of Him and, you guys, death hurts and feels uncomfortable, but I have been planted and God is always preparing for a resurrection.

So, I want to encourage you, if you have been feeling dark and cast down in spirit, guideless, confused about your purpose and/or fruitless, take heart! For Jesus has already overcome the world and showed us that to be in the darkness does not mean this is the end. I urge you, do not grow weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9) and keep a heart and spirit that trusts in God’s goodness towards you. May His goodness and holiness build within you an assurance that He is all the Light of Hope you will ever need in all areas that seem bleak, as you wait to rise.

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” -Psalm 30:5

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Videos for Reference and Encouragement

Forrest Frank, SUNRISE: https://youtu.be/UIlDpO_5P_s?si=UYm6SG8auvjZM1lQ

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