BOOM WHACK…On and on and on…BOOM WHACK (Devotional and Song)

Song: Boom Whack – Duet

Scripture:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:18–19

Devotional:

The rising sun paints the morning sky with hope, inviting us into the beauty of a new day. It whispers of fresh starts and the promise of renewal. Yet, for many of us, the wounds of yesterday refuse to let go. The shadows of failure, shame, and trauma cling tightly, replaying scenes of despair in the theater of our minds. It’s as if we’re trapped in a never-ending game of “Whack-a-Mole,” fighting one emotion or thought only to have another rise up in its place.

This is the reality of being stuck. It’s not just about our circumstances; it’s about the battle within—those moments when a song, a picture, or a memory catapults us back into the heart of our pain. It feels like an endless loop, and we wonder, Will I ever be free?

The answer lies not in fighting harder, but in surrendering deeper. God’s invitation to us isn’t to conquer the game but to unplug it. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” These words remind us that freedom doesn’t come from our striving, but from resting in the One who holds the power to heal, restore, and renew.

When we unplug the game, we stop trying to manage our emotions or control our past. Instead, we place them in God’s hands, trusting His perfect timing—kairos, the appointed moment of grace and breakthrough. In His presence, the relentless ticking of chronos time fades, and we find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today, let the Spirit of God meet you in your stuckness. Release the battle to Him, and allow Him to write a new story over your life—one of hope, courage, and renewal. Remember, you are not defined by your failures or bound by your trauma. You are held by a loving God who declares, “See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Prayer:

Thank You for being the God who makes all things new. Today, I surrender the weight of my past to You. Help me to let go of the things that keep me stuck and to trust in Your power to heal my brokenness. When reminders of pain arise, let me rest in Your peace and listen for Your voice. Lead me into the newness You have prepared for me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Writing:

The dawning sun throws brilliant colors across the canvas of the sky
It’s a new day, a new beginning, a new chance to experience life
Let me forget the failures of the past and engulf myself in the fullness of the NOW
Inhaling the goodness and fullness of His Spirit, taking in the beauty of His creation
With anticipation of all today brings, I will lean into the possibilities that await me
I will open every door and every window of opportunity and grab them with gusto

And then it happens…like it has dozens of times before…
I hear a song
I see a picture
Words are spoken
Thoughts intrude
Emotions unwind

I’m a failure
I’m unworthy
I’m hopeless
I can’t
I won’t
I give up
It’s not worth it
I’m not enough
It’s time to quit
I can’t go on

Chronos – time marches on

I find myself in the bizarre Whack-a-Mole fight for my life
I whack the mole of failure, but unworthiness pops up its ugly head
I whack the mole of unworthiness, but hopelessness pops up its ugly head
With every tick of the clock, it’s another mole
Boom Whack…On and on and on…Boom Whack…
Beating down addictions, defeating thoughts, destructive emotions and isolating behaviors
When will this end, this endless game of self-defeat?

Kairos – His time is now…the right time is now

And His Spirit speaks to my soul…
…and whispers…
…unplug the game…

And the clock stops…
…everything goes dark…
…silence surrounds me…
…the game is over…
…and in that moment I know…
…I’m going to be ok…

And the sun sets
And the moon and stars shine bright
And my head rests on my pillow
And His Spirit comforts me
It’s been a good day
Let me do THAT again tomorrow

Song: Unplug the Game

[Verse 1]
The morning breaks, the sky glows bright,
Your mercy wakes me with the light.
But echoes whisper in my ear,
Reminding me of doubt and fear.

[Pre-Chorus]
Every fault I try to hide,
Still keeps pulling me inside.
But You are calling, strong and true,
Breaking through with something new…

[Chorus]
Be still, my soul, let go, let go,
He is making all things grow, don’t you know?
No more striving, no more shame,
He’s the healer, He’s the same.
So I’ll unplug the game, lay it at Your feet,
And find my peace complete.

[Verse 2]
The clock keeps ticking in my mind,
I chase the past but fall behind.
I fight the thoughts, but they won’t leave,
A lie I always seem to believe.

[Pre-Chorus]
Then You whisper, soft and strong,
“Child, you’ve fought for far too long.”
“Keep on striving, for I am near,”
And suddenly, it all is clear…

[Boom Whack Bridge]
But the past shouts back…
Boom whack—down it goes!
Another fear, another foe!
Boom whack—I swing again,
But still, the fight won’t end!
Tick-tock, another round,
Trying hard, but still I drown.
Boom whack—I hear You say…
“Child, unplug, and walk away…”
(Bridge fades into silence—building anticipation for the final chorus!)

[Final Chorus – Soft to Powerful]
Be still, my soul, let go, let go,
He is making all things grow, don’t you know?
No more striving, no more shame,
He’s the healer, He’s the same.
So I’ll unplug the game, lay it at Your feet,
And find my peace complete.

[Outro]
And the sun sets, the stars shine bright,
Your Spirit holds me through the night.
It’s been a good day, I let go,
Tomorrow, Lord, let’s do it again.

Dying Changes Everything

Song:

Devotional: Dying Changes Everything

Scripture:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
— Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Narrative

Life has a way of dragging us into the swamp — the places where our failures, fears, and sin feel like quicksand, pulling us deeper until hope feels out of reach. In those moments, it can feel like we’re gasping for air, drowning under the weight of our own brokenness.

But God’s Word reminds us that the answer isn’t to claw harder at the mud. The answer is surrender. Paul says that the old self must die so Christ can live in us. That’s the paradox of the gospel: almost dying changes nothing, but truly dying — dying to ourselves, our pride, our control — changes everything.

When we release the life we thought we could build on our own, Jesus breathes His Spirit into us. Suddenly, what looked like the end becomes the beginning. Death to the flesh makes way for new life in the Spirit. What once was a swamp of despair becomes holy ground where God’s grace raises us up.

This is not just a one-time experience; it’s a daily choice. Every day we lay down our old ways — our self-reliance, our selfish desires — and step into resurrection life. And every day, Christ proves faithful, filling our lungs with hope, peace, and power we could never muster on our own.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the mystery of the cross — that in dying, I find life. Teach me how to surrender fully, to lay down the things I cling to that keep me from You. Breathe Your Spirit into me today. Let my old ways stay buried, and let new life rise in me through Your power. May my story, my worship, and my testimony point to You alone. In Your name I pray, amen.

Writing:

THUMP thump…THUMP thump…thump… thump…thum

I gasp for air
This is it
My last breath
As I exhale slowly

My eyelids close
My vision fades
Silence crashes into the room
Like rolling thunder

The walls melt
Like ice cream on a hot summer day

What is that noise?
What is that blinding light?
As the thin veil between this life and the next
Is split from top to bottom

Tick tock…Tick tock…tock…tock…toc

Chronos – time stops now

They’re standing around me
Some busy
Some just watching

And some…
…aren’t flesh and blood

Who are they?
These orbs of light
Floating around my bed
As if preparing me for flight
Seeing if I am dead?
Pulling me through the veil without a fight

Kairos – His time is now

“CLEAR!” … BAMB!!!

My head jerks back
I’m thrust as if shot out of a canon
I’m traveling through a tunnel
Swirling flashes
Faster…faster…at the speed of light
I gasp for air
The veil is sealed once again

Where am I, now???

Some things cannot be unseen…
…unheard
…unfelt

And I will never be the same…because…

Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything

Song: Dying Changes Everything

Verse 1
I’m sinking deep, the waters rising
Lost inside this broken place
Breathing in the weight of silence
Drowning in my own disgrace
My eyes grow dim, my strength is failing
Shadows closing all around
But in the stillness I hear You whisper
“Child, you will be found”

Pre-Chorus
Tick tock… time fades out
Your voice breaks through the doubt

Chorus
Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything
I release the chains I’m clutching
Now I rise on eagle’s wings
Spirit lifts me from the waters
Breath of heaven fills my lungs
In surrender I discover
New life rising with the Son

Verse 2
The veil is torn, the light is breaking
Your time has forever come
Flames of mercy burn around me
Pulling me to Kingdom’s throne
Grace like lightning strikes my spirit
Love restores my heart again
No more running, no more hiding
I am free in Jesus’ name

Pre-Chorus
Tick tock… time fades out
Your voice breaks through the doubt

Chorus (Big)
Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything
I release the chains I’m clutching
Now I rise on eagle’s wings
Spirit lifts me from the waters
Breath of heaven fills my lungs
In surrender I discover
New life rising with the Son

Bridge (Build)
I have crossed from death to life
You’re the fire, You’re the light
Nothing stands but Jesus Christ
Dying changes everything
(Repeat as needed, rising each time)

Verse 3
Now I stand, my chains are broken
Every shadow swept away
Hope is rising, faith has spoken
Night has turned to brighter day
I will sing of resurrection
Testify to what You’ve done
From the grave into Your glory
All my battles now are won

Final Chorus / Tag
Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything
I am living in Your presence
Breathing heaven’s holy breath

Outro (Soft, reflective)
THUMP… thump… (heartbeat slows)
Tick… tock… time is gone
Eternal life has just begun
Jesus, You’re my only song
Dying changed it all

My Swamp (Devotional and Song)

Song: I Will Rise – Duet

Devotional: Leaving the Swamp Behind

Scripture:
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19

There are moments in life when we realize we’ve built a false sanctuary—a place where we have learned to survive but not truly live. Maybe it’s a mindset we’ve adopted, a habit we’ve clung to, or a defense mechanism we’ve crafted over time. Like the swamp in this reflection, it becomes familiar, even comfortable, but at its core, it is a trap.

God never intended for us to stay in places of spiritual stagnation. He created us to thrive, to walk in His light, to be renewed and transformed. But we must make the choice. We can remain in the toxic environments—whether external or internal—that we’ve adapted to, or we can step into the fullness of life that Christ offers.

The decision is ours. Do we cling to the shadows of what is familiar, or do we trust God to lead us into a land of promise, even if it means vulnerability, growth, and change?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I recognize that I have built walls, adapted to struggles, and settled in places You never intended for me to stay. Give me the courage to step out of my swamp, to leave behind what keeps me trapped, and to walk boldly into the abundant life You have for me. Lead me, Lord, and renew my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Writing:

THIS is my swamp…

My skin is thick and tough…
… so that I no longer have to be vulnerable to the pain that surrounds me.

My fighting skills are honed and advanced…
… so that I can aggressively and fiercely shred any foe that attacks me.

I can submerge and hide for long periods of time…
… to avoid uncomfortable confrontation.

I can adapt to my surroundings here in my swamp…
…so that I can be…
…unaffected
…unmoved
…unshaken
…un-convicted

…of what might otherwise appear to be a…
…murky
…dirty
…polluted environment.

This is MY swamp…

It is my sanctuary. It is my cocoon.

It is…
…my death trap.

I did not always live in my swamp.
In fact, I was not made to be able to survive in my swamp.

I had to become…
…to adapt
…to adjust
…to evolve

…into what I have become in order to survive the toxic conditions that exist in my swamp.

This is my SWAMP…

And only I can make the decision to continue dying here…
…or to choose life outside of my swamp.

What’s it going to be?

Song:

[Verse 1]

I built these walls, I learned to fight,

Kept my heart locked up so tight.

Hid my fear behind a smile,

But I’ve been sinking all the while.

[Pre-Chorus]

I hear You calling through the night,

A voice so strong, yet full of light.

You pull me close, You draw me higher,

Out of the swamp, into the fire.

[Chorus]

I won’t stay where shadows grow,

Where my heart turns cold, where the dark winds blow,

I’m stepping out, I’m choosing life,

Leaving the swamp for the morning light.

Oh, I will rise… I will rise.

[Verse 2]

I made a home in sinking ground,

Afraid to leave, afraid to drown.

But chains aren’t homes, and wounds don’t heal

When I resist the love you reveal

The fear, the shame, the weight I’ve known,

You call me out, You lead me home.

[Pre-Chorus]

I hear You calling through the night,

A voice so strong, yet full of light.

You pull me close, You draw me higher,

Out of the swamp, into the fire.

[Chorus]

I won’t stay where shadows grow,

Where my heart turns cold, where the dark winds blow,

I’m stepping out, I’m choosing life,

Leaving the swamp for the morning light.

Oh, I will rise… I will rise.

[Bridge]

I see the road, I see the dawn,

And though I shake, I’ll carry on.

No more hiding, no more chains,

Your grace is stronger than my pain!

[Final Chorus]

I won’t stay where shadows grow,

Where my heart turns cold, where the dark winds blow,

I’m stepping out, I’m choosing life,

Leaving the swamp for the morning light.

Oh, I will rise… I will rise.

[Outro]

No turning back, I’m walking free,

The past is gone, Your love in me.

Oh, I will rise… I will rise.