The more we know of God’s character, his mercy, grace, and unfailing love, the more we can cling to him when troubles come and life brings us down. Then it will be the character, the loving presence of the Lord that we focus on when trails come...and that will lift us up.
The Apostle Paul encourages in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Wait a minute. I just read, “Though outwardly we are wasting away...” Who is he referring to? Parts of me just are doing anything but wasting away! My pants say yoga but my fanny says McDonalds! My mind, now that is wasting away. I can’t remember anything. I’m grateful the Lord admonishes me to hang in there.
Here is that same verse in The Message...
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. 18 These hard times are SMALL POTATOES compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. That’s the glory, coming good times, PARTY IN HEAVEN, YA’LL!
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Instead of seeking to fix the problem, we fix our eyes on the problem solver, Jesus! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!