Reality

It’s one thing in reality, but it feels like something else.

That’s how it seems every year around this time. The calendar says it’s fall, but the temperatures scream summer. I long for the colors and coolness of autumn – it’s late September, for heaven’s sake! – but harsh summer heat won’t relent.

But a few moments each day, I see traces of hope that it really is fall. A stray yellow leaf decorates a patch of grass. …Or the sunlight slants with a touch more gold. No need to worry, it reminds me. Soon appearances will match reality.

My thoughts turn toward God’s promises. Often our world seems chaotic, careening out of control. Headlines delivering discouragement bombard our eyes. It’s enough to make a person wish for a Rip Van Winkle-like nap. “Wake me when it’s over,” we wish at times.

But it’s one thing in reality, though it feels like something else.

God whispers that He’s still in control. In the midst of the chaos, His grip is firm yet gentle. The fallenness and sadness of this world may hinder our view of Him for a time. …But before long – in His perfect timing – He will sweep away the haze and we’ll see clearly that He’s there. All will be made right.

In the meantime, “the Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us everything He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.” (Ephesians 1:14)

No need to worry, He reminds us. Soon appearances will match reality.