“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV
Our world seems to be in a constant state of turmoil, and it often seems painfully so in our personal lives as well. So how do we keep from despair?: By keeping an eternal perspective:
Practically speaking how do we do this? How do we find hope?:
- We immerse ourselves in scripture : “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
- We develop a heart of gratitude by being thankful to the Lord, even in the worst of times : “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Col 5:15) Remember Paul & Silas praising God in prison? (Read today’s scripture – Acts 16:16-40).
- We pray to our loving heavenly Father, trusting Him in ‘wild’ abandon: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”(1 Pet 5:7). Do this rather than complaining, which solves nothing.
PRAYER: Lord, grow in me a heart of gratitude. Help me to not be deceived into hopelessness and despair anytime affliction arises, but to remember the eternal hope of glory that I have in you, in Jesus’s name. Amen.
For further study: Read Acts 16:16-34