Surrendering To Truth
As I sit in the lobby of our hotel this early snowy winter morning, I am nestled in a cozy chair, tucked away in a secluded corner near the warm fire crackling in the fireplace. The big screen is on bright, directly in front of me. Images of war, terror, and mass murder threaten my peace, yet speak a truth that I must acknowledge -- I am in a battle myself: Will I submit to fear or will I surrender to Truth?
I can't hear the commentators' voices, but their eyes speak volumes. Serious eyes. And a strange pseudo-confidence hiding behind deceptive safety, vulnerable and open to lies that man can actually fight this war waged against him without God.
Two young blond boys, brothers I think, gather at the couch across from me. They are drawn to the flagrant TV pictures of evil terrorists, slain victims, and sober faces reporting world devastations.
My heart breaks. I wonder what they are thinking.
Are they scared?
Fearful of their future?
Do they know Jesus?
Are they desensitized by prior exposure to dark video games and violent movies?
DO THEY KNOW JESUS?
I take in a deep breath and tune into the worshipful words coming through my headphones. I close my eyes to the disturbed faces and horrifying images on the screen and open my heart to the glory of God filling every part.
Lyrics from an angelic voice speak power to my burdened soul:
"And I've been told
To pick up my sword
And fight for love
Little did I know
That Love had won for me
Here in Your arms
You still my heart again
And I breathe You in
Like I've never breathed 'till now..." *
I open my eyes once again and look down to the precious book in my lap. The Holy Book. Its pages are opened, spread wide across my lap.
I begin to read Truth:
"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O LORD, among nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; You faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the Heavens and let Your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with Your right hand, that those You love may be delivered. Give us aid against the enemy for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Psalm 108:1-6, 12-13
I surrender to Truth and rejoice! This is the victory that Love has won for me...for the whole world. God disarmed the rulers and the principalities of their power when by the Cross He made a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15).
And this is my Hallelujah:
"Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a Living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for me, for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming salvation that is ready to be revealed...' I Peter 1:3-5
Let us greatly rejoice!
Though now for a little while we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, we can take courage because Christ has overcome the world!
Be still and know.
He is our God.
Today, I surrender to Truth and I am at peace once again.
*"We Dance" by Bethel Music
by Dana Lange
Editors Note: This piece was written by our sister during her recent trip to Colorado where she was fairly near the terror attack in Colorado Springs. It is timely encouragement, for this past week we have experienced another senseless attack against unwary citizens close to our homes.