"I know. It's all wrong. By rights we
shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr.
Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they
were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could
the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so
much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this
shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun
shines it will shine out the clearer . . . Folk in those stories had
lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going.
Because they were holding on to something." (Sam from Lord of the Rings)
After watching The Hobbit in theaters recently, I was enthralled by Middle Earth once again and compelled to watch Lord of the Rings. In each movie of the trilogy, the devastation was quite intense (to the point that in some of the scenes I had to shield my eyes), but I am always moved by how good prevailed. Frodo, Sam, and the Fellowship of the ring faced much darkness on their path to freedom, yet just when one would think all hope was lost, good would shine through.
Watching these movies at this time in my life was purposeful, I believe. The message of hope threaded throughout this story is one I needed to hear right now. Physical ailments, concerns for my kids, financial needs, hurting friends and family, and the continual waiting on issues that have long been laid at my Lord's feet have weighed heavy on my heart in recent days. Lord, will this darkness ever pass? And then I hear a hobbit say, "A new day will come."
In Revelation, Jesus said this too, "Behold, I am making all things new. It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son." (Rev. 21: 5-7) I read these words and hope wells up in my heart. It is done! The Author of Life has not forsaken. This present darkness will be but a vague remembrance in the days to come. Oh, praise His name. There are lots of opportunities along the way to turn back. I cannot lie. Some days I want to pack up and leave it all behind, and on especially dark mornings, I long to pull the covers over my head and not face the day at all. Yet, this cannot be. With Jesus, I can and must press on, for He will make all things new.
"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Lord, thank you for promising to make all things new. Your promise gives me hope and the strength to keep running this race. Help me to hold on to You every step of the way.
