I woke up with that title announcing itself to me in repetitive fashion.

All things new…all things new…all things new…

It’s from a scripture found in the book of Revelation, a proclamation that the old order of things has passed, an announcement of hope. And what is more hopeful than something new?

You might argue that sometimes the something new is not wanted, like an illness, for instance, or a pay-cut, or the loss of the job altogether. Maybe you’ve just learned of the destructive path of your child, or your hand shakes as you dial the number to hospice for the first time, your beloved parent fading fast in the bed beyond. And certainly, you’d be right. This type of new is not wanted, and doesn’t seem hopeful, at all.

But, if you think about it, in illness, each day is a new possibility for cure. It’s a new opportunity to refocus on the things in life that really matter, and reprioritize accordingly. In a pay-cut or job loss, we are shown the value of needs over wants. We are given the blessing of understanding how to be content with what we have, so that when the tide turns, we can be ready to give out of the excess. With a wayward child, we are given the gift of understanding God’s love for us in its truest and most precious form, and we learn how to trust Him as we never have. And, with a dying parent, we are shown the hope of heaven and we are given the greatest fortune in learning to let go.

Each new day or event that comes into being, wonderful or hard, rises onto the scene shining rays of hope as a brilliant sun, because He makes all things new – ALL THINGS – working each of them out for our good. Because of that, we need no other reason than to make much of His name in the process. And because one day the hard stuff will be gone for good, we’ll need no other reason than to make much of His name forever.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “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 the 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.” Revelation 21:3-7 ESV

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

“I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.” Psalm 89:1 NLT

NOTE**My sweet friend’s surgery was postponed to next week, in favor of some more tests prior. The reasons are encouraging. Thank you so much for your continued prayers!