There’s a song in the SDA Hymnal, “Until Then” number 632, that I would like to quote:
“My heart can sing when I pause to remember,
A heartache here is but a stepping stone.
Along a trail, that’s winding always upward,
This troubled world, is not my final home.”
Refrain:
“But until then, my heart will go on singing,
Until then, with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.” (copied from SDA Hymnal on-line)
I’m really tired of this old world in so many ways. I’m tired of self and the struggle with sin; the battle to advocate for my rights and to expect fairness and equality. Over and over again it’s the same old lesson, this is not my home! I will never be completely satisfied with the trappings of this world or the treatment I receive or the “me” I have become. Why? Because, I have an enemy that is ALWAYS throwing his “hate darts” at me! And, if he wasn’t I might be more concerned! You see, it’s a guarantee that if we follow Jesus, we will endure persecutions, temptations, and evilness of various fashion because, Jesus did. There was nothing fair or reasonable about the way He was treated and it’s certain He hates and understands our pain!
Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT reminds us to:
“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
When I remember there is spiritual battle for my heart, mind, and eventual salvation then, I can choose to give these annoying problems over to God. He has my back, He has my future, and He provides my joy! I worship Him even when things aren’t so great because someday, I will get so many things I don’t deserve! It’s the long game that matters. Until then, I will sing, pray, and shout — no guarantee they will be in that order though. He understands my heart-felt cry of discouragement, frustration, and sadness. He loves my smile and laughter too! We are holding on until that day He calls us home!
Hold on, it will be worth it!!
Pastor Cheri