Trust Meಮಾದರಿ

Everlasting

Read: “‘The day is coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah’” (Jeremiah 31:31). 

Think: There was a book my mom used to read to me when I was younger that I absolutely loved. The book was called, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst. I loved the book, partly because of the incredible title, and partly because it was so relatable.

We all know what it feels like to have one of those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days, or weeks, or months, or even seasons. In those times it can be hard to see beyond our current situation. We can get so zoomed in on our circumstance, we fail to see the bigger picture. We fail to look up and out, and beyond right now, and we miss the eternal. In these times, the eternal perspective is essential because it helps frame the immediate crisis with the everlasting. If we can boldly proclaim, along with the prophet Jeremiah, “the days are coming” (Jeremiah 31:31) even when this particular day is terrible, horrible, no good and very bad, then our interpretation shifts. When we remember and claim the covenant promises of God, and see them embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, who came to walk among us, die for us, and share new ascended life with us, we encounter an everlasting reality that reinterprets our current struggle through kingdom eyes.

Even if it truly is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, we have an Everlasting Father who reminds us by His promises that this is temporary. We have already been healed by His wounds (Isaiah 53:5), and “the days are coming” when all will be made right.

Apply: What challenge are you facing right now that has you worried or concerned? How might a shift in perspective to the eternal, help you interpret and move through the current challenge? What’s one promise of God, embodied in Jesus, that you can hold onto and keep in mind today and in this season?

Prayer: Lord, no matter what kind of day we’re having or about to have, we pray that you would help us discover peace in you, the Prince of Peace. Jesus, you were born, misunderstood, crushed and have risen so our future can be sure and certain. Lord help us reinterpret our current situation through the everlasting promises of our good, good Heavenly Father. Amen.

(Kevin Hackett has been married to his wife Catherine since 2007. They live in Paradise, PA with their five wonderful children. Kevin has served as Pastor of Student Ministries at Grace Point Church  of Paradise since 2013.)