[Verse 1] Devil on the run He’s a wicked beast Tried to take me down But he lost his feast He kicked me hard Left me buried deep But I rose in grace While he lost his keep
[Verse 2] In my darkest night I forgot the gift I had He pulled me low Told me lies and made me mad But even in the pit Jesus called my name Now I walk in light I’m not the same
[Pre-Chorus] Don’t be fooled By the snake in the weeds He don’t care ‘Bout your hope or your needs He can’t give life Only takes what you earn He’ll torch it all Just to watch it burn
[Chorus] Now I rise, now I run By the power of the Son But the Devil is a liar He’s Done!! Ain’t no grace where he’s from Tried to steal, tried to kill But my soul he couldn’t take Devil’s on the run ‘Cause I’m saved by grace
[Verse 3] Chains are gone Yeah, the stone rolled back He lost the war On a bloodstained track Truth is fire And the lie won’t stand I’m a child of God With a sword in my hand
[Chorus – repeat] Now I rise, now I run By the power of the Son But the Devil is a liar He’s Done!! Ain’t no grace where he’s from Tried to steal, tried to kill But my soul he couldn’t take Devil’s on the run ‘Cause I’m saved by grace
[Bridge – Breakdown / Call & Response] Oh the blood! Oh the Lamb! Crushed the devil With a mighty hand Ain’t no grave! Gonna hold me down! I’ve been bought And I wear the crown You can growl You can scream But you can’t run From the King Devil’s on the run— He lost everything
[Final Chorus – Tag out strong] Now I rise, now I run By the power of the Son But the Devil is a liar He’s Done!! Ain’t no grace where he’s from Tried to steal, tried to kill But my soul he couldn’t take Devil’s on the run Yeah, the devil’s on the run Jesus won — and I’m saved by grace
Now I rise, now I run By the power of the Son But the Devil is a liar He’s Done!! Ain’t no grace where he’s from Tried to steal, tried to kill But my soul he couldn’t take Devil’s on the run Yeah, the devil’s on the run Jesus won — and I’m saved by grace
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Devotional: Breaking the Chains of Time
We often hear the phrase “time heals all wounds,” promising that with enough time, pain will fade. However, as we reflect on the writing below, the reality of heartache is much more complex. Time alone can feel endless and lonely, amplifying the echoes of our struggles rather than soothing them.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us of a deeper truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This scripture acknowledges that while time may play a role in healing, it is the presence of God that truly mends our deepest wounds. The reality is that oftentimes, the very pain we are experiencing can feel like a heavy burden, trapping us in cycles of grief and despair, leaving us to wonder if we can ever break free.
In the vivid imagery of echoes in a great canyon, we see how the pain we carry can resound in our minds, relentless and overpowering. But we are not meant to suffer in the echoes in our minds. God doesn’t simply ask us to endure; He invites us to bring our heartaches to Him. The cries we share in prayer are heard, and each tear is recognized. We learn that healing through God’s grace is not merely about waiting for time to pass but about actively engaging with Him, surrendering our battles, and allowing His love to embrace us.
When the darkness of night surrounds us and those haunting memories emerge, it’s then that we can lean into God’s promises. He is our refuge in times of trouble, and His strength can transform our suffering into testimonies of hope. In our darkest moments, when it feels as if we’re shouting into a void, we can trust that God’s silence is not absence but an invitation to draw near, to encounter His love in fresh and profound ways.
So, what do we do “in the meantime”? We turn towards God, whose light can pierce through the darkness. We lay our burdens down, we seek support in our community, and we remind ourselves that healing is not linear or simply time-based; it is unique to each of us. Every emotion we experience is valid, and God meets us in every moment, both joyful and painful.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You with my wounds laid bare, seeking Your healing touch in the depths of my anguish. Help me to remember that I am never alone in my pain and that You are close to the brokenhearted. Grant me the courage to bring my struggles to You, for only in Your love can true healing occur. Strengthen me to navigate this journey, trusting in Your grace and presence every step of the way.
Closing Thought
As you move through today, remember that God invites you into a relationship of healing—one that transcends the limitations of time. Lean on Him, and let His love provide the solace your heart seeks. Remember, it’s not just about giving it time; it’s about entrusting yourself to the One who holds eternity in His hands.
A Writing
They say that time Is all it takes
Time will heal …Every mistake …Every loss …Every wound …Every wrong-doing …Every abuse …Every tragedy …Every pain
Time heals all That’s what they say
Just give it more time Eventually I’ll be fine I’ll see, just trust The pain will go away It won’t hurt so much tomorrow Eventually I’ll forget I won’t feel so bad Just give it time Just give it Just More time Time
Echoing in my brain The words are bouncing Off the walls Off the walls of an echo chamber The echo chamber between my ears Time Time Time TIME TIME TIME
And finally I scream I don’t want to hear it any more Falling to my knees Wrapped up like a ball of string Wrapping my arms tightly Tightly around my stomach My head between my knees And I cry deeply I bawl out in anguish Until silently I cry So much I cry Until the tears Until the tears are dry In anguish I cry Alone I cry All alone I cry And wonder why I wonder why Why this works for everyone else But not for me Why not for me?
“What’s wrong with me?” “Oh God, what’s wrong with me?” “Why am I the only one?” “Why doesn’t Time heal me?”
I dare not tell anyone I can’t talk to anyone They would think I am crazy Crazy in the head I’m broken I can’t be fixed I deserve what I get
And so…at night I weep In my pillow I weep
Night After Night After Night The cycle repeats itself endlessly
And one day One day I read a book And I decide Sure I can beat this thing
All I have to do is one simple thing Just follow one simple rule It’s simple I just have to follow one simple rule I just have to fake it That’s it I just have to fake it Fake it until I make it Fake it until I Fake it until Fake it Until I Make It
I just have to give it more time And…Everything…Will…Be…Ok
But until then What do I do? Until then…what? What do I do…in the mean…time?
In the night In the middle of the night In the night the voices call They call out my name Bringing me back Back again Back to the nightmare To the nightmare of my pain To when it happened To the place it happened To hear the sounds To smell the stench To see the tragedy To the place where it all began I try to silence them Silence them any way I can But I can’t dodge the truth Because truth won’t run The truth won’t run, like I do Truth stands steady Like the immovable object Truth won’t budge
And in the morning I tell myself it’ll be okay And that I’m gonna get better on another day
Finally Finally it’s morning I slam the alarm I cover my head Beating my pillow I wish I were dead
And then I awake I finally awake I wake to realize Nothing has changed Nothing Not a thing No it’s all the same I’m living another groundhog day
And all of this All of this journey Is the endless cycle So craftily spun So craftily spun by the Evil One To keep me from God’s Love and Grace To keep me from seeing His Holy Face To keep me locked in my own prison cell To keep me from drinking water from the well From the well of Everlasting refreshment From the well of Everlasting healing
Down deep I know it’s a lie Because I know If time were the only thing Then I’d be getting better With the passing of every day
But here’s the honest to God truth Yes, it will take time But I already knew that I already knew it would take time But time isn’t all it takes There’s one more thing I don’t want to do And I know that too Because it’s going to be hard I know that too It’s going to be hard
I must dig I must dig a little deeper I must dig into the scars I must dig a little deeper To cut through the scar tissue To cut through the scar tissue that has me fooled To cut through the scar to get to the original pain To open up that wound To open the wound I don’t want to open I gotta dig deeper I gotta dig a little deeper To open the wound So it can drain So it can drain the toxins that are keeping me down So it can drain the toxins and heal again
Yes, it’s scary It’s downright frightening if I think I’m all alone If I think I have no one there to help me Yes, it’s scary as hell But it doesn’t have to be
But it’s necessary to dig a little deeper And it’s going to hurt like hell
And for this to work I can’t numb this pain I can’t tip the bottle dry I can’t swallow that pill I can’t inhale that drag And I can’t snort that line
No no… It’s going to hurt like hell But that’s what it takes So I can feel again So I can laugh again So I can cry real tears again So I can feel real pain again So I can experience real joy again So I can live again So I can love again
And so that I can be loved by those around me
But here’s the thing… I don’t have to do this alone… If all I will do is tell someone
VVerse 1 They say that time can heal what’s broke, But it just whispers empty hope. I’ve waited long, I’ve played the game, But every day still feels the same.
The echoes say, “Just give it time,” But time’s been cruel to heart and mind. If healing comes with every day, Why do I still feel this way?
Pre-Chorus I tried to fake it ’til I made it, But I can’t outrun what’s breaking me.
Chorus So I’m gonna dig a little deeper, Down where the hurting hides. Open the scar so grace can reach, The pain that’s buried deep inside. It’s gonna hurt, I know it will, And healing starts when I finally feel. I’m gonna dig, dig a little deeper, ’Til I find my soul.
Verse 2 The night comes calling like before, I see those shadows on my door. Every memory wakes again, I feel the weight I can’t defend.
Truth won’t run, it stands its ground, And mercy whispers through the sound: “You’re not alone, I’m still right here, Even in your tears.”
Pre-Chorus I’ve tried to numb it, tried to drown it, But grace keeps reaching down for me.
Chorus So I’m gonna dig a little deeper, Down where the hurting hides. Open the scar so grace can reach, The pain that’s buried deep inside. It’s gonna hurt, I know it will, And healing starts when I finally feel. I’m gonna dig, dig a little deeper, ’Til I find my soul.
Verse 3 (The Turning Point) Morning breaks, the light comes in, A softer voice beneath my skin. The chains I wore begin to slide, As mercy breathes me back to life.
I feel Your love in every breath, A quiet peace where fear once slept. I’m not the same, I’m waking new, The pain is real — but so are You.
Bridge I can’t do this on my own, But I was never meant to be alone. You reach into the mess I’ve made, And call my broken heart by name. You say, “Come and drink from the well that won’t run dry.” And for the first time, I believe — I’m alive.
Final Chorus So I dig a little deeper, You meet me in the pain. You wash my wounds with holy light, And I am whole again. It hurts, but I can feel again, I can laugh, I can cry again. ’Cause I dug, I dug a little deeper, And I found You there within.
Outro Time can’t heal what only Love can mend, But Your grace is faithful to the end. So I’ll dig, dig a little deeper, Until I find You there.
“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
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
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
We don’t see things clearly yet. We’re seeing things in a fog, peering through the reflection of a looking glass. But eventually we’ll see it all, as clearly as God sees us, and seeing Him face-to-face as he knows us…without our mask…as we are.
But until then…
Chronos – time marches on
I will continue to live in my window box. In my prison…as a fraction of the person I could be…because that’s how I think “they” want me to live…
…dressed up
…made up
…perfection
…flawless
…selfish
…stoic
…fake
…empty
…frail
…emotionless
…numb
…wanting
…lost
…pain
…loneliness
And in the quietness of my empty world…I hear it…I see it…with a whisper… It’s time…
Kairos – His time is now
…It’s time to shatter the window box…
…It’s time to walk free on the sidewalk of life…
…and be… ME
…as He made me
…as He sees me
…as He desires me to be
…with my imperfections
…with my strengths
…giving
…full of emotion
…real…without pretension
…getting the most out of life
…taking advantage of every moment
…weak, sometimes
…strong, sometimes
…constantly seeking adventure
…feeling pain, and learning from it
…being alone, but being okay with it
…finding companionship…and risking the adventure of it
…full…of…everything…life…has…to…offer
…with eyes wide open…
Scripture: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
Walking in the Light of Forgiveness (Devotional):
In our quiet moments of introspection, we may find ourselves facing a familiar silhouette—an echo of the person we once were. The image, outlined by a soft glow, invites us to pause and reflect on the contrasts within us: the friend we nurture and the foe we sometimes become to ourselves. This inner dialogue mirrors our journey with God—a journey from darkness, marked by pain and retaliation, toward a radiant hope defined by forgiveness.
Imagine standing in a dimly lit room, the only guide a shadow that seems at once both foreign and achingly familiar. When we ask, “Who are you?” we may be questioning the remnants of old anger, the wounds that have yet to heal, and the part of us that clings to the law of retaliation—a law that demands an eye for an eye. But God’s call is different. It is a call to remember that there is another way, a path that leads from bitterness to the liberating power of forgiveness.
As the shadow speaks—its words echoing the pain of past transgressions—it also offers a gentle invitation: “There’s another way the Spirit wants you to know.” In that moment, the familiar darkness begins to recede, replaced by the promise of healing. The journey is not without its challenges. At times, the pull toward old habits may feel as if it drags us back into a valley of regret. Yet, with each step, as we walk through the night toward the rising sun, we are reminded that forgiveness is not merely an act of letting go, but an embrace of a new beginning.
From a hilltop, we might see the multitude of faces—friends, family, even strangers—all walking their own paths, each carrying their stories. In the midst of this collective journey, we are gently urged to set aside the daggers of anger and resentment. Instead, we are called to extend grace, to let the warmth of forgiveness melt away the remnants of hurt. This transformation is not instantaneous, but like the slow yet sure ascent of the sun, it promises a new day filled with hope, healing, and reconciliation.
Let this devotional serve as a reminder that our past does not define us. In the light of Christ’s love, we are invited to remember who we truly are—a beloved child of God, capable of extending and receiving forgiveness. Our scars, though reminders of past pain, become testimonies of grace when we allow the Spirit to lead us toward wholeness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, In the quiet of this moment, I open my eyes to the shadows of my past. Help me to see clearly the ways in which old hurts and regrets have shaped me, and grant me the strength to let them go. Lead me on the path of forgiveness and healing, that I may embrace the new beginning You offer. Fill my heart with Your compassion and guide my steps as I walk into the light of Your love. I thank You for Your endless grace and pray that I might extend that same grace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
I open my eyes I see a silhouette outlined by the glow
“Who are you?” I yell out, “Are you my friend or my foe?”
Emerging from the shadows I see the likeness of me a long time ago
“Are you lost?” I ask “Can you remember the direction you should go?”
Then it turns to me I see the fresh blood from its eye socket flow
“What could this be?” “Lex Talionis, the Law of Retaliation on me you bestow?”
“An eye for eye?” “A tooth for a tooth, is this what you think I owe?”
“Is this all I’ve become?” “Nothing more than the bitter daggers I throw?”
It says to me, “There’s another way the Spirit wants you to know.”
“You must remember.” “For that’s the only way forgiveness can let go.”
It reaches for my hand And drags me through the darkness…at first slow
Faster and faster it pulls Then turns and says, “You want to get well, no?”
We journey through the night For miles and miles until we can see the Sun’s glow
From the hill above, I look down I see hundreds, or maybe thousands of people I know
I descend to the valley Listening to their stories, walking among them to-and-fro
Verse 1: I open my eyes, a silhouette in the glow, A mirror of my past, where doubts and sorrows grow. “Who are you?” I cry, friend or foe of my soul? In quiet reflection, I long simply to be whole.
Pre-Chorus: In stillness of my heart, Your mercy softly calls, A gentle whisper of grace, breaking down these walls.
Chorus: Oh, forgiveness grows; let Your shining light come through, Mending every broken part with a love so true. As You forgave, oh Lord, help me forgive anew, In the light of Your mercy, I’m made brand new.
Verse 2: From the shadows of regret, echoes of pain arise, Old daggers of retaliation once blinded my eyes. Yet a voice within the darkness declares, “There’s another way,” Leading me from bitter nights into the promise of day.
Pre-Chorus: Every step toward the dawn, Your Spirit guides my way, Turning scars to testimonies in the warmth of Your ray.
Chorus: Oh, forgiveness grows; let Your shining light come through, Mending every broken part with a love so true. As You forgave, oh Lord, help me forgive anew, In the light of Your mercy, I’m made brand new.
Bridge: From a hilltop I behold a multitude of grace, Every story, every soul, redeemed by Your embrace. No longer bound by past mistakes or the weight of old regret, In Your compassion, Lord, I rise—forever unforget
Verse 3: I descend into the valley where Your truth is all I know, Listening to hearts set free, where gentle rivers flow. The shadow fades into the light, and I hear that loving call: “Remember, let forgiveness grow; in Your love, you have it all.”
Chorus: Oh, forgiveness grows; let Your shining light come through, Healing every wounded heart with a love so true. As You forgave, oh Lord, help me forgive anew, In the light of Your mercy, I’m made brand new.
Outro: In the quiet of Your mercy, I rise into the day, Every burden washed away by the grace You freely say. Lord, I offer up my heart, in awe of all You do— Forever singing, “In Your light, I am made new.”
