By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Every writer’s journey of the soul is illuminated with a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and obscure shadows. Whether we experience bright pieces of glass that sparkle and entertain us or jagged edges that sear our hearts, the result is a pattern of beauty that reflects God’s glory on our lives.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
The colors we experience aren’t always pleasing. The blacks and grays are laced with tears. They blur the once beautiful horizon of our lives, blinding us to which way to turn. Disappointments beyond our comprehension shatter our peace, and we fear our joy will never be restored. Oh, the sadness of forgetting God is always there surrounding us with His impeccable love.
We often hear that God will either take away the heartache or walk with us through the fire. If only we could remember the wisdom and promises of Scripture when we desperately crave it. The realization our tears can bring healing moves us to keep trying.
Faith encourages us to grab onto God while treading through darkness. In those moments we can’t see, we must trust Him to show us the way. Learn and grow closer to God then spread His light to others enduring the same struggles.
Take a few moments to reflect on your life. Sometimes we think that our life’s colors have a bearing on being accepted by God because—
- We didn’t have perfect parents. The most devoted and disciplined person has flaws. None of us have perfect people in our lives, but our God has given us those to help us grow toward Him. He is the perfect Father.
- I was a rebellious teenager. Rebellion comes in the way of thoughts, words, and actions. Mistakes are made and consequences faced. The final analysis is not what we did at any age but what we learned and how we moved forward.
- I disappointed my family and friends. Is life really about pleasing others? Don’t think so. Destructive relationships, addictions, incarcerations, and whatever else we can think of don’t exclude us from God’s love or eternal life. When we have Jesus on our side, guilt is of the past.
- I failed to obtain more education. God doesn’t care if we attended school or have multiplied doctorates. His only concern is our reflection of the sacrificial work done on the cross.
- I never found my purpose in life. Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life, “Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose.” God created us; we didn’t create ourselves.
We never face the darkness alone. Ephesians 6:10-20 shows us while we’re dressed to march forward, God has our back. We are bathed in light, the color of pure love.
How we honor God reflects our life’s path and the choices we’ve made. Every moment has been painted white by the Creator and Jesus’ blood.
How has God walked with you?
Comments 14
Beautiful and encouraging, DiAnn! Through all the dark colors of my life, the Lord’s presence and love have been there. And thank the Lord Jesus, He has washed me white as snow!
Author
Thanks, Sandy, we are blessed eternally through the blood of the lamb.
As I skimmed through other comments, I realized my walk with God holds more bright colors than dark. But the biggest blessing and the brightest colors have come after the darkness. As a teenager, I asked the Lord for guidance. He came to me in a dream and said, “Follow me.” He has held my hand all the way, for many years now. At this point, I can view the past and see his footsteps leading me into the desires of my heart and the purpose He has given me. I am a woman most blessed … and still He continues to hold his hand out and say, “Follow me.”
Author
Donna, I treasure: I am a woman most blessed … and still He continues to hold his hand out and say, “Follow me.” Thank you for sharing your words and glorifying God.
Beautiful post. God is so faithful even in a darkest moment. My wish and prayer are that I will grow closer to him every day. Love your books they always speak to me.
Author
Sharon, thank you for your kind words. I love how our God has no favorites. We are His, and He is ours. Thank you for reading my books.
DiAnn:
I have been walking with God since I was 18, but never closer than than Sept. 14. 2024.
I lost my son, Craig, suddenly to cardiac arrest. He had not been sick a day, worked out several times a week. He ate healthy. He had gone to wash his truck and backed in to vacuum it out and went home to Jesus. God has definitely walked with us through the fire the last seven months. Am looking forward to seeing him again when Jesus calls me home.
Author
Sharon, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost a son in 2022 to a pedestrian hit and run. I hope our sons are friends in heaven. God never leaves us. Never. We may never know why our sons went home early, but we know we’ll see them again.
This was a profound post, DiAnn! I loved every point in it including the photo of the birds. Wow!
The paragraph about the Colors of my Soul that followed the birds sums it all up and allows a grateful heart.
I have gone through PTSD twice in my life. The first time it lasted for five years. It was brutal, but the second time, nineteen years later was far worse. You asked how has God walked with us? I. Could. Not. Have. Made. It. Without. Him. During those times, the only thing I could conjure out of my mouth was, “I trust You,God. I trust You.” And God, wonderful, marvelous God through Jesus, sustained and walked through the darkness with me. . .and healed the shock and pain. There is a depth and closeness to Him now that cannot be explained. And, it is priceless and precious. Even though those long years of suffering with the PTSD were horrific, I was not alone. Jesus walked through them with me and I will forever be grateful because it strengthened my relationship with Him. I will Stand Firm and I will give God the honor and glory He deserves. He is truly worthy of our praises.
Author
Barbara, thank you for sharing your story and for your kind words. We who belong to Jesus are never alone, and you’ve proved that over and over.
You have a profound testimony. Stand firm!
DiAnn
This is beautifully said , and with tears in my eyes I see the color of Hope.
Thank you for your beautiful spirit.
Author
Thank you, Joyce. The color of hope is filled with love, truth, faith, and joy. We serve a great God!
Love this post. Spoke to my spirit.
Author
Thank you, Elizabeth. I appreciate your kind words.