Elder Compass - January 2020

Our Twilight Zone

by Preston Young

There is a depth in the world's oceans (approximately 200 - 1000 meters below the surface) referred to as the "twilight zone". Scientists know very little of the biodiversity within this part of the ocean, except that plant and animal life transfer carbon to the bottom of the ocean which helps regulate the global climate that indirectly affects our existence. In our personal lives, so much occurs beyond what can be seen on the surface. Our Creator God knows our inner selves much better than we can ever hope to understand.

We do know that God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us. We often pray for answers to problems on our own terms rather than relying on God's promises. God has not promised that we have an easy existence, but that He will be with us in all circumstances. Our own "twilight zone" involves letting go of things that will ultimately harm us and allowing God to work through others and us in often mysterious ways. In Romans 8:28, Paul states that God works all things for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose. As Christians, we have each been endowed supernaturally with spiritual gifts. We are each led by His Spirit to serve others through Him.

In our personal lives, when we have our focus on doing God's will, we get glimpses into the world that we will eventually fully live into. In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul states "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Thus, let us be comforted by the nearness of God and our eternal home.

And we know that in all things

God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

So let us fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18