Symphony out of Chaos: Rebuilding from the Ashes
“You know when there is an implosion of a building because the building is rickety? They tear it down for one reason—to build something new on the same spot, even if it’s something new within their own hearts and personal lives. So, let’s become hope-drivers in painful situations.”
Those words were spoken recently by Dr. Tony Evans, a true “moon in the dark.” I have listened to Dr. Evans off and on over the years on the radio. What a great man who preaches God’s Word faithfully! If you are not familiar with him, you may be familiar with his daughter, Priscilla Shirer, who starred in the movie The War Room, and has written and led many women’s Bible studies including The Armor of God, and most recently Defined and Radiant.
The other day, Priscilla recorded a very casual live Instagram video of her father talking with his grandsons about times that he was pulled over for being a young black man in a white neighborhood. As the discussion went on, Lecrae, Christine Cain, and Dr. Anita Phillips called in with questions. It was a delightful conversation among good friends, and Dr. Evans had so much wisdom to share—wisdom that all of us, no matter what our backgrounds, could benefit from hearing. He offered specific steps that each of us can take as individuals, families and churches. You can watch it here.
Today I don’t know what you are feeling and experiencing where you are. You may be relating to the lyrics of “Symphony” by the band Switch: “darkness echoes all around, feels like everything is crashing down.” Remember, though, that “even in the madness there is peace, drowning out the voices all around me: through all of this chaos you (God) are writing a symphony.” The lyrics are powerful and encourage all of us to look to Christ who is our only hope in each and every situation and stage of life.
Only God, through Jesus, can truly take ashes and chaos and write a symphony.
It is what he does best.
Isaiah 61:1-3 is a prophecy about what the Messiah would do. As believers we can ask and look for this work of Christ in our lives when we submit to his leadership and ministry in our hearts. This describes what Jesus did while walking the earth but also what he delights to do now:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
Looking to Jesus,
Ellen