Finding the real and what’s true amidst the wrappings of a temporal flux rarely surfaces by accident. Truth’s finding comes through intention. Through a deliberate focus that refuses the chaos and, instead, accepts the responsibility to chart one’s course accordingly. To slice through the wrappings and the trappings of a decorated peace in order to find the pure, unadulterated truth that breathes raw and undefiled and full of the living, breathing pulse of heaven.
Truth is our needful portion and to arrive at its core, we must be willing to break pace with the world’s cadence—a rhythm that is leading to our quick and certain suffocation. Time to cut the junk. Cut the flap. Cut the verbiage that so willingly spews its polished spin so as to make “all that currently is” an easier swallow. Just give it to me straight, for I am bit weary from the strain of making “all that currently is”… make sense. I simply and profoundly need…
simple and profound.
Thankfully, the prophet Isaiah is willing to afford me both.
He tells me about the promised Son. About a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince named Peace. Lingering in the truth of our Savior’s multi-labeling is enough to wrap my weary into a manageable portion. After all, who couldn’t use some of God’s counseling and mighty and everlasting peace in this season?
But Isaiah takes it further. He tells me something more about my Jesus. Something so simply profound that I often miss it in favor of his divine labeling.
My Savior’s kingdom and his peace are on the rise.
“Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”
Never once have they diminished, even though the world continues to offer its voice to the contrary. With every passing moment since Bethlehem’s arrival, the weight of our Savior’s cloaking has increased. The government that rests upon his shoulders is bigger now than it has ever been—2000 years and counting worth of increase.
No matter the critics. No matter the chaos. No matter the sin. No matter all manner of fluctuations that breathe with the only certainty that life is uncertain. Hot and cold is of little influence when it comes to Christ and his government.
It’s growing. With every passing day and in wild and unimaginable ways, our Father’s peaceful “kingdom come” is coming closer, pulsing louder, and feeling the weight of a full gestation. What is soon to be birthed will far exceed our understanding. We cannot see it now. Our world is filled with clouded confusion. But we will see it soon. Until then, of this we can be sure.
The length and width and height and depth of God’s loving and lavish conclusion will blanket the earth with the simple and profound truth of what’s been growing all along.
His increase. Every time…
A prayer is whispered.
His Word is read.
His name is spoken.
An offering is made.
A hymn is sung.
A child imagines the Sacred.
An adult imagines the same.
A sinner bows.
A prodigal returns.
A surrender is made.
A tear is tendered to throne.
A deed is done in God’s name.
A heart believes.
A mustard seed is planted.
A miracle breathes.
A miracle waits.
An altar is filled.
The truth is felt.
The truth is spoken.
The truth is lived.
Every day, in chosen and in unseen ways, our Savior’s kingdom increases. And lest we think otherwise, lest we are tempted to believe that hell is gaining the upper hand, let us remember that where and when sin increases, grace increases all the more (Romans 5:20-21).
We stand on the winning side. God’s increase is on the rise. Always. His is not a decreasing kingdom but rather one of a lush and gaining abundance. And that, dear friends, is the pure, unadulterated truth that I need this season. He is the Anchor I can hang my hope on for always.
Long ago, I cast my lot with God’s kingdom. I’ve not always witnessed the increase in my own walk of faith, but I am certain of his. And somehow that frees me from the burden of needing to see it all up front. When I cannot imagine the wealth and bounty of this one moment, he can. He does. He carries it with him wherever he goes, from Bethlehem to now and into the great, wild beyond.
That is substantial. That is the Truth. That is, simply and profoundly, all this heart needs to know to make “all that currently is”… make sense. Thus I pray,
When I cannot see your increase Lord, remind me of your shoulders and your weighty worth that allows you to carry the unseen treasures of your coming kingdom. Thank you for a glimpse of the imponderable … for an imagination that imagines such beauty and for the faith to believe it most certain. Carry me there, in the middle of your abundance, on your shoulders and as your prize. Forgive me when I am tempted to limit your increase by visioning less and by believing less. You are more and big and beyond the articulations of my understanding. Keep me in captive awareness of your hugeness, and let your growing peace be my portion in this season. How I love you more for allowing me your profound amidst my simple. Amen.
How’s your season unpacking, friends? I’d like to unpack it a little further with a prize or two. Just leave a comment, and I will surprise you by week’s end. Also, if you have a special need or prayer request, please feel free to email me or leave it in the comment section. I would love to pray for you this week. Shalom.
As things seem to be getting worse in our world today, it’s good to be reminded of this. God is in control and His Kingdom will last forever. This isn’t our home; we’re just passing through. Thanks for this timely post Elaine. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
“With every passing day and in wild and unimaginable ways, our Father’s peaceful “kingdom come” is coming closer, pulsing louder, and feeling the weight of a full gestation.” Oh, the joy to hear and feel the His heartbeat drawing ever closer; to feel the certainty of Him against the timidity of life lived here in chaos and confusion; to experience Him at a depth so internal that there is no doubt that “all that currently is” matters not unless it lives and breathes Him! A Presence that cannot be fathomed or understood but must be experienced.
What delight to know our present is graced by His touch and our future is promised to His completion!
Now that Thanksgiving is over it seems that depression has set in. Not quite sure why. Trusting Jesus and looking for a opportunity to make my home CHRISTmasy.
SherylDean
All I can say is Amen, even so come, Lord Jesus.
Somehow I always thought of that promised “increase” as something that would begin happening later, in the Kingdom. I hadn’t thought of it being true now. That’s a glorious thought, with a lot of power and hope in it. Thank you for something to really chew on today.
Thanks for the gentle nudge…
Hugs and a big chunk of mistletoe for you entryway.
🙂
I hadn’t thought about the “incease” portion of the scripture you shared, Elaine. The first part is so familiar — and I love it — but thanks for a new look at the next portion. Blessings to you!
Ah, I love that Scripture from Isaiah! What joy, peace, and comfort come from faith and hope in that Truth.
Oh, yes; the eternal kingdom is increasing, and how I pray that it will soon be evident to all! “… For He will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along.” (Isaiah 59:19)
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
PS-Thanks for checking on me. I am feeling better and hope to write tomorrow or Friday! 🙂
We are drawing ever nearer to ‘the fulness of time.’ And Praise God, He is in control!!
I would love for you to pray for my youngest daughter Karen… she was let go from her job at the end of Oct. and is getting antsy about finding another one… her health insurance runs out at the end of Dec. She is single and really needs her insurance!! Thanks my friend!!
Sharon
thanks….need to hear that.
I know God is always there even when we are so far away. I feel his presence more these days. Even with more bad news with Roberts job. He will work next week and be off another month. Please continue to pray for us. He is also having some medical issues. Thanks for your prayers. Blessings!
Elaine, your words bring me comfort this evening as I continue to ponder the condition of our society and the uncertainity we face. I must remember that God remains on the throne and that He sees the big picture. I have to give over control (something that is hard for me!!) and let Him be God!!!
Also, please pray for a situation at our church that continues to bring unrest and division. There are some inappropriate relationships and lifestyles among some of the members of our Worship team. I have been struggling with this for over a year now and have even discontinued a friendship with one of the members over this. Please pray that God will somehow bring those involved to their knees in true repentance. I don’t know what else to do other than pray!
Lori B. from Brewster
I just want to thank you for your place in this blogging world.
You make me think….I have to slowly read what you say or miss the substance. It is good to slow down every once in a while.
I get excited when I think about the Kingdom that is coming….it ups the beat of my heart.
I think that the biggest lesson during this season is to think outside of the box of this earth- To see with eyes that don’t need to see substance to believe.
I am still learning….and will continue until He says…It is finished. 😉
Thanks for making me sit back on my heals and think. You stretch my brain.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. If only for more than a moment we could grasp those words for eternity. I sure am trying. Thanks for your insights this day.
Praying for His “increase” in me.
Would appreciate prayer this week for my on-going sinus infection. My face is just so sore – a continual ache – it wearies me. Thanks Elaine.
What can I be praying for you my friend?
Love, hugs and prayers,
Joy
I feel exactly the same way, Elaine. I want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! To settle for anything less would be a tragedy.
Thank you so much for the prayers you have already spoken for Bill. He’s having surgery this Friday. Please continue to pray.
How are YOU doing? How is your family? Can I pray for you (or with you) about anything in particular?
Praising God for you, my sister….
Oh, Elaine, I love these verses. they just call to my heart. He is our Hope! Isn’t that amazing?
I’ve been a little crazy with the season, and here we are barely in. Working too much and not getting to enjoy Him!
You inspire me to be more deliberate and breathe HIm in no matter what’s going on around me.
Sending hugs,
Laura
Elaine, I love how you say you need to just cut to the chase. And the bottom line is Christ and we are His. I needed to hear this, because I grow weary of the ups and downs, back and forths too, especially in my own heart. I also come here with anticipation and you don’t let me down.
AMEN!
I really love those verses. Thankyou for sharing. I also love that you used the word Shalom. One of my fav words. I heard Gloria Copeland say that it also means wholeness–nothing missing, nothing broken. After that, it was my favorite word for a long time.
prickle my spirit with discord and blanket my flesh with a fresh dose of frenzy
I love this phrase. I also enjoy reading the comments from all your readers. Thank you for today’s blessing!
Amen!
Your eloquent, beautiful words reminded me of something Laura said on The Wellblog yesterday. It really spoke to me.
~”As I wait to see His Light…
Brighter than any that will hang on a tree…
Is the One who hung on a tree for me.
I will walk in His light.”~
“He” is enough, amen?
In our society, so much emphasis is put on everything but Jesus at Christmas. But here, at Peace for the Journey, you always put Him first. Thank you for that, sweet lady!
Merry Christmas, Elaine!
God Bless,
Amy:)
From “uncertain seasons” to the “great, wild beyond” (a certain epoch), I’m with you! We are with Him! Such good company.
Kathleen
Elaine,
I received my gift, the book. Thank you so much. You are such a sweetheart. I take my Christmas vacation beginning December 22. I’m looking forward to some time to sit and read. Thank you so much!
SherylDean
I always learn at least one new word when I stop to visit.
I can’t imagine what your conversations are like in person, perhaps one day I’ll find out! 😉
Lovingly,
Yolanda
That was some need fresh perspective – thanks, my friend!
Hugs,
Melinda
Elaine:
Thanks for the great post. I certainly can use the simple and profound right now.
Blessings, Marita
“It’s growing. With every passing day and in wild and unimaginable ways, our Father’s peaceful “kingdom come” is coming closer, pulsing louder, and feeling the weight of a full gestation. What is soon to be birthed will far exceed our understanding. We cannot see it now. Our world is filled with clouded confusion. But we will see it soon. Until then, of this we can be sure.”
This is absolutely one of the most profound things I have EVER read. I am in awe of the Lord’s insight through you. He has anointed your pen. Truly so. I needed desperately to hear this, and that was His gift to ME! Thank you!
Beautiful with incredible reminders. The control is in HIS hands. So praising God for that fact, and THIS post.
Hi Elaine,
It was good to stop by again and read your thoughts! I always find a good word here.
Thanks so much for the truth that you put forth.
Lynn