Brighter Days Await

BRIGHTER DAYS AWAIT

DANIEL SEABAUGH

The conflict in Ukraine has me longing for heaven, yearning for that peaceful country—a land with no tears, a place with no war. It also has me lamenting the state of our world. Things are getting worse. It appears a sort of bleakness has covered the earth. I’ve been waking up these days with an underlying angst which manifests itself as cynicism. I’m beginning to wonder if things will ever get better.

Yet, despite my concerns, regardless of the fear I hear whispered at the grocery store, proclaimed on the television, promoted in the break room, or shared on social media, I know brighter days await God’s people. His word promises it. 

Perhaps you live in a part of the world where things seem stable. Maybe your life is going well. If you had to take a survey which assessed the state of your life, you would answer with five stars. You’re thriving. If that’s you, praise God for his provision and favor. Will you join me in praying for those around the globe in less fortunate conditions?

Many people are not thriving. Some are in real danger. Their relatives are hiding in bomb shelters or fleeing their homes. The state of their lives is anything but awesome. In fact, if they took the same survey they would likely claim to be living in hell. Zero stars. 

To my despairing brothers and sisters across the world, I am praying. I’m praying for God’s peace and protection. I’m pleading to the Father that your family will be richly provided for and protected from harm. I’m praying you will experience peace that surpasses understanding. I want you to know brighter days await.

All the heartache in our world is because sin is running wild. It’s like a plague or disease. I’m not sure if or when things will get better, but I do know heaven is going to be amazing. Nothing in this life can compare to what’s ahead. 

In his letter to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul said,

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

– Romans 8:18-21 (NIV)

Lots to consider in those words, but how about this: “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Many are suffering. God-fearing men and women all over the world are experiencing it. Yet, brighter days await God’s people. Glory will be revealed in them. 

In a different letter, Paul said,

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 

– 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.”

– Revelation‬ ‭22:1-3‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

It continues. You should find the chapter in your Bible and read it through. It’s really good. 

Brighter days await God’s people. To those dealing with troubles and hardships, take heart. God’s word promises brighter days.