Adding to the Beauty
"I've been catching glimpses of it, now more than ever. The only thing that could rival my despair at the pain in the world is my hope in a very real kingdom of God, and very real people who by the grace of God are adding to the beauty with their beautiful art, creative lives, and redemptive work." This quote from Christian artist Sara Groves has become part of my daily thinking, it seems, for many reasons. Throughout her CD release, Add to the Beauty, Groves weaves together several songs which deal with how the kingdom of God is NOT a 'non-entity,' but that it is a living and breathing kingdom that, at present, resides within the hearts of those who, by faith, have been 'adopted' into its realm. In other words, the kingdom of God is within. And so, the way we see the reality of the kingdom is by the outer expressions of the people who contain this possession within. This kingdom stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of the world (Satan's kingdom), that stands in all of its ugliness around every corner, amidst many homes, and within many people on Earth. But...the kingdom of God is beautiful. We can shine forth its beauty in our relationships, in our homes, in our workplaces, in our art, in our good works.....it can transform so many areas of life. That, to me, is the incredible part about this word picture. Whether you're at home caring for children, living life with your spouse, interacting with co-workers, visiting a widow, whatever it may be, you can live the beautiful life of the kingdom of God. It's a redemptive life, one that has been purchased by Christ, and now shines forth with His beauty. This is so encouraging to me, and has often been on my mind the past few months, as I see His work in me and within the lives of others. Here's a small snippet of one of Groves' songs:
When anger fills your heart; When in your pain and hurt
You find the strength to stop; You bless instead of curse
When doubting floods your soul; When all things feel unjust
You open up your heart; You find a way to trust
That's a little stone, that's a little mortar
That's a little seed, that's a little water
In the hearts of the sons and daughters
This kingdom's coming......
In the mundane tasks of living; in the pouring out and giving
In the waking up and trying; in the laying down and dying...... this kingdom's coming.
Hope you're 'adding to the beauty' of His Kingdom in your corner of the world.
Sarah
posted by Sarah Glupker @ 5:36 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
Thanks for sharing this. It's neat to see the way the Lord is working in the lives of other believers, and the lessons he is teaching them. It's a challenge for me.
Yes, Sarah, I am going to borrow Kelly's word and say that was definately a challenge. Thank you for your insight. It provoked MUCH thought.
Sarah,
Some days it is so much easier to focus on the ugly things that are in this world but today your post is helping me refocus my thoughts. Thank you so much.
Hey, you guys all have a picture with your name....yet another thing I have to figure out, as well as find a picture of myself that would work. Hope you check out Sara Groves' CD, Add to the Beauty...you won't be disappointed.
So, Jen....hear somebody's coming to SAginaw from the dry desert lands of Arizona in the near future....could it be...dare I hope....is it YOU? Breathless in anticipation
It is us!!!
We can hardly wait to go and visit everyone. We will be in church on Dec 17th!
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