“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
- Eph 5:8-9 NIV
As I read both of these passages this morning I could not help but see layers of potentially much deeper meaning in Tolkien's words. He may, or may not, have intended them that way. Perhaps the Holy Spirit just took them and used it as a tool to speak to me even though Tolkien did not intend it. However, it is so rich I find it hard to believe he was not making reference to some great truths of The Faith.
As an example look at the second paragraph. Stop and consider it first of all in Jesus conquering of death, hell, and the grave. Powerful imagery. Then let it sink in with the idea of Adam and the human race being sold to the enemy into generational slavery and sin. It is also a beautiful picture of the redemption of mankind from our fallen state to one where we are once again "kings and priests unto our God".
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev. 5:10 KJV
Regardless of whether Tolkien originally intended that or not... consider them in light of Paul's words to us in Ephesians and I think it will be a blessing that gives you strength during your day.
Blessings!