Photos Of The Future

He will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth.

Social media loves photo manipulation, and so do I. I especially love the apps that age a person’s face so that you can imagine them years older. While I don’t ever wish for the years to actually fly by, it’s fun to imagine my kids as grandparents one day and to see a computer’s rendering of what they might look like. When I see their wizened brows and gray hair, I have to smile. God willing, there’s so much life ahead for my children to enjoy.

While I can envision those things for my own children, sometimes I find it more difficult to cast such a hopeful vision for myself. Middle-aged and widowed, I realize my finitude more than I’d like. Looking to the future means aging without my sweet husband, finding fulfillment in ways I’d never planned or imagined. I can plan more than I used to in early grief, but I still can’t see far ahead. Some days I’m not sure the future is as bright for me as it is for my children.

I know I’m not alone in this struggle. I’ve talked to so many grieving folks that I know you’ve probably felt this way too. Maybe you woke up this morning in the middle of this particular struggle for hope. When you “manipulate” the image you have of yourself now, you see things that make you feel discouraged or anxious. You’re not sure you like the picture of the future you see.

While Israel waited in exile, Isaiah painted many pictures to offer them hope. But no matter how many prophecies Isaiah delivered, Israel’s fears still rested right beneath the surface. What would their future actually look like? And was it something they’d want when they got there? So under the Spirit’s influence, Isaiah envisioned for Israel what their future would be.

Isaiah’s prophecy was just a glimpse to get them dreaming, a foretaste to get them hungry. As in a photo app, the picture of Israel’s current existence morphed into an image of abundance, life, joy, and freedom. The true future would be bigger, better, and brighter than anything they could imagine. No more death, no more tears, no more disgrace. All things new.

While grief requires that we attend to the very mundane parts of our physical, here-and-now lives, as Christians we are called to grieve with hope (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Isaiah reminds Israel—and us—that this hope isn’t just conjecture. God has a clear plan in mind, and he’s already working toward its fulfillment. One day, all of creation will be restored. Heaven will come down to earth. King Jesus will reign in glory and love. Today, fix your mind on heaven. Fast-forward for a bit and enjoy the picture of what will be.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

A Prayer: God, I believe the promise of Isaiah that you will return to right every wrong and conquer death forever. How I long for that day! As I move about my work this day, remind me that heaven’s glory awaits me. Train my heart to hope for what is to come, and encourage me to live like your promises are true. I can’t wait to see you face-to-face. Amen.

An Activity for Today: The ancient Indians and Greeks had a proverb that said, “Blessed is the man who plants a tree whose shade he will never sit under.” Today, enact your trust and plant a tree. Research an organization like the Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit that fights deforestation, or a local nonprofit that works to plant native species in your area. Give a dollar, give an hour to weed out invasive species—whatever you can. Invest in something you’ll never see grow to maturity because—even when it doesn’t feel like it—this life is more than today. Let God’s mighty oaks give you hope. There’s growth ahead for you too.

A Song to Encourage Your Heart: “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” by Sandra McCracken