Here at Glimsen, I share glimpses of the beauty around us—whether in nature, in the arts, or in the unexpected.
Lately, beauty of any kind can seem unexpected since we see and hear so much ugliness on TV and social media.
The months and years leading up to today’s election have brought ugliness of all forms into the limelight and have even celebrated it.
The words that have been uttered have been filled with hatred, rage, and contempt. They’ve been spoken, shouted, written, posted, spewed not only among the candidates and the parties, but also among acquaintances, neighbors, even friends and family members who find themselves on opposite sides of the issues.
Today, as an antidote, perhaps, I want to offer up some words of beauty, goodness and truth, as well as hope. These words are ancient, yet life-giving. Inspired and inspiring. Beautiful passages of poetry and prose, profound and filled with gorgeous imagery. And they’re all from the Bible.
May they lift your spirit today.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made (Psalm 145:8-9).
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you (Psalm 33:22).
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:30-31).
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor (Psalm 8:3-5).
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).
How do you combat the ugliness you see and hear? Does beauty play a part in that? How? Please let me know in the comments below this post or on Facebook here.
Photo courtesy of GraphicStock.