This past week, I had a disagreement with my husband which I didn’t handle in a very mature manner (the story of my life). I struggle whenever conflict is in our home because the strife can so easily consume my focus. Fifteen wonderful moments might have taken place that very day, but my mind festers on the one negative exchange. I was in the midst of a self-pity party when my iTunes shuffled to You Make Everything Beautiful* by Rebecca St. James (who, by the way, owns my book). I was instantly encouraged through her lyrics as I realized that God can make everything beautiful. In fact, He promises to do so in His Word!
All of the stressful, difficult, and seemingly unending moments of marital conflict can be the paint, canvas, and brushes that He will use to create a masterpiece!
He can take my own sinful and selfish actions and redeem them in such a way that brings Himself glory. God —and God alone— promises to make all things new. Oh, how I need Him in my marriage to take all the yuck that we two sinners produce and turn it into a replica of His love, His goodness, and His faithfulness.
Scripture speaks incredibly encouraging words to those who are broken:
“I {The Lord} will repay you for the yard the locusts have eaten … You will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you…” Joel 2:25-26 (partial arrangement mine)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
“… 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. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
“See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” Isaiah 60:2
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
My marriage, my mess ups, and my disappointments are no exception to God’s beautification rule!
Yet, the closing of Ecclesiastes 3:11 is where the promise is found: IN ITS TIME. I wrestle with the Lord, almost daily, because He isn’t working on my time table! How humbling to realize that I can’t expect Him to create something beautiful today (or next month or next year…) because I believe the right timing to be right now! I must trust that He is making a breathtaking view out of all the mess in its time.
What good it does my heart to know that the Lord will make everything — and anything — beautiful.
In their song, Beautiful Things*, Gungor asks, “Could a garden come up from this ground at all?”
I resonate with that question: Can God truly bring forth good from this? I can quickly become anxious, but my heart is encouraged when I allow the truth to sink in: God accomplishes much through my messes. During the good and the difficult seasons … He is creating something beautiful within my marriage.
In its time, I will have a garden. In its time… You will too!
Linking up with Wifey Wednesday and Wedded Wednesday
*affiliate links used. Photo Credit: Kamille Bayless
Amy Coleman says
Wow! Love it! Thank you so much for sharing Darby!
darbyd says
Thanks, Amy! Isn’t He wonderful?! Appreciate you reading and commenting. 🙂
Kim Queen says
Another song’s lyrics that I grab on to in times like these is “While I’m waiting” on the Fireproof soundtrack… It has really ministered to me in times of impatience with His timing.
Thank you Darby , always, for being honest and raw…. you are such a blessing.
darbyd says
YES!!! That is a great song! I may need to go back and listen to it as I continue to try to Process well. Thank you, sweet friend, for being so encouraging. 🙂