“You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
The valley where I live is putting on her fall coat.
Red, yellow, orange, and gold.
A coat of many colors.
As I walked yesterday morning, the thought came: Only a truly good God could bring such beauty in the process of dying.
Death, in and of itself, takes away. It steals, suffocates, and decays. It gnaws away until finally conquering, leaving pain and ashes in its wake. There is absolutely nothing beautiful about death itself.
But in steps our Redeemer. Full of Life. Full of Truth. Picking up the ashes and turning them to gold. Using what was planned for evil and turning it to good.
As Believers, we often quote Romans 8:28.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (NASB)
We hold to the promise of Life after death and joy at the end of a trial. We hope for what we cannot yet see; a Reward worthy of such a journey.
But along with the final reward, even before the fruit of the next season, our Redeemer gives beauty in the process. He layers Life upon Life upon Life in the cracks and crevices. He reveals His majesty, power, and wisdom, His grace, mercy, and love at every turn.
Ask those who have walked out months, days, and hours of a loved one dying, but with the grace and presence of the Holy Spirit. They will tell you story after story of beauty in the midst.
- Sudden tastes of joy.
- Unexplained moments of laughter.
- Canopies of peace.
- Lessons now learned.
- Freedom now gained.
- Hope restored.
- New depths of love.
Like leaves in the fall — red, yellow, orange — these precious gifts bring beauty instead of ashes, joy instead of mourning.
Today, as you walk forward, look around. What do you see? As the grasses and flowers of the field are bowing their heads, seeds are being sown and brilliant color displayed. In nature. In people. In eternal plans. Embrace these gifts. Embrace them as reminders of the beauty Jesus brings in the midst.
Find more of Amy’s encouragement in God’s Timing Is Spot On.
Amy Layne Litzelman is passionate about knowing God more intimately in each moment and helping others do the same. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011. She has also composed over seventy songs, recorded four CDs, and traveled to teach and lead worship across the United States and in the Philippines and China. She and her husband, Matt, live in Jackson Hole, WY and have two adult sons.
Click here to learn more about gifted faith writer Amy Layne Litzelman.
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