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Here in the Georgian Bay area of southern Ontario, Canada, winter can be very dreary. On one such day recently, there was a gloomy sky, and sulky, sodden clouds drizzled misty rain off and on all day. At times, it was quite windy. The lawns were soggy, and at the lower end of our garden, there were puddles of water and mud. It was not a nice day at all.
At the same time, we were facing a twenty-eight-day lockdown. The spreading of the coronavirus had caused the authorities to make this decision. For many people, it was an unwelcome situation that simply added to the already gloomy circumstances.
Early the next morning, I looked out of our living room window and saw that some four inches of snow had covered everything. There was a light dusting on the bare branches of the two maple trees in front of the house. The branches of the evergreen tree behind the house were decorated with snow as if done by an artist. It was a stunning winter wonderland. The whole dreary scene of the day before was covered with beautiful snow.
Then, different events, some far away, others near us, made me think of the dreary situation in the world today: millions of refugees and displaced people; people starving in war-torn countries; political and racial unrest in various countries; people unable to afford groceries because of the pandemic. By and large, it was a dreary sight indeed. Efforts are being made by individuals, politicians, and organizations to bring about changes, but it all seems so futile, and we seem to have learned nothing from history at all. As I pondered these situations — some nearby, others far away — I thought of the day when, according to God's Word, all of this will change.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4 NKJV)
The writer, the apostle John, was exiled on the island of Patmos. While there, he was given messages for the seven churches in Asia, and had a vision of the day when all this dreariness will change. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. In the meantime, we are assured that Christ is with all of us here and now, and that He will come again and bring everlasting peace. Everything will be new and improved!
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You that during these days of isolation, insecurity, and worry for so many of us, we have the assurance that changes will come about at Your appointed time. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Joel Jongkind
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author's permission
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