Surface impressions
For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts for ever. (verses 16-18)
Read 2 Corinthians 4: 13 – 5: 10
On the face of it, things don’t look promising. Everywhere there’s unhappiness and misery. Human weakness and depravity continue to mar the world. They manifest themselves in everything from individuals destroying themselves through carelessness or intent to war on a global scale with its monstrous acts of blood-letting. And as you get older, the passing of time, the lines of age and the inevitability of death so readily assert themselves.
Yet, in your heart you hold promises from God that are so full of comfort, hope and optimism. You know God loves you. You know he has a plan to rescue you from the prison of your imperfect nature and the sufferings of this world. Beneath the surface, you know God is there, and that he has prepared a wonderful future for you and all those who belong to him.
Lord keep me from losing heart, whatever life may hold for me. Keep my mind fixed on your love and promises. Amen.
by Richard Hauser, in ‘Refreshment for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2003)
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