This Too Shall Pass

“But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:8-10

“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'” Revelation 21:2-4

Phrases and ditties too often become rote and meaningless, but there are some that ring so true we would be wise to emblazon them on our hearts and repeat them often as a heavenly mantra. In this life of trials, disappointments, and sufferings, we must remember God’s good promise that this state is not forever, this too shall pass. There is a joy set before us that spurs us on to endure present difficulties, and just knowing that lends strength and hope to endure. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Hebrews 12:2-3)

Our loving Lord knows the way that we take. He is intimately acquainted with all of our ways, and is merciful, compassionate, and purposeful, welcoming us always to His throne of grace. He tries us, measures the suffering we experience and sifts it through His love, all the while supporting and establishing us. His ends are always accomplished. We are called to eternal glory, and have sure hope we will be with Jesus forever, seeing Him face to face and relishing fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11; 103:8; 139:3; Isaiah 46:10; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 3:2)

So why are you downcast, my soul, my friend? Keep your eyes on Jesus who has gone before you, and on eternity, where all will be well! Put and establish forever your hope in God, your Savior! Let the ‘this’ we want to pass be the very vehicle by which we rejoice! (Psalm 42:4-7,11)

How does my vision need refocusing?

“Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.

The men of grace have found
Glory begun below;
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
From faith and hope may grow.

The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.

Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high.

We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord Jesus, keep me marching in triumph in this dark world, with eyes and heart securely fixed in realms on high.