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…

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 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

Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

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.

Copyright © 2025 by SkylerThomas