It’s Just Temporary

Aren’t you glad that some things are temporary? In fact, most things are. Few things last forever. In God’s economy He has designed a few things that are eternal. So maybe we should focus on those things. But we tend to get caught up in concerns over temporary things.

We can’t help that at times because grief and pain are part of this earthly life. And when they surround us we are easily overwhelmed with the moment. But that’s the point. It’s a moment in time. Even things that last for months or years are short-lived when seen from an eternal perspective. That’s the way God sees things. So I often need to ask Him for some of His perspective.

Here are some verses I was reading today. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness” (Psalm 30:5 & 11). What kept the Psalmist focused on that positive thought? It wasn’t as if he was always that perceptive. Many of his thoughts are laments and are downright morbid. Take, for instance, these comments: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body! For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing” (Psalm 31:9-10a). Don’t you just love the honesty and transparency of David?

But no matter how distraught he seemed to be, David’s focus usually turned from himself and his problems back to God. And there’s always hope there. Here’s how Psalm 31 ends. “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).

Are you hurting today? Struggling with the here and now? Maybe it’s time to refocus on the eternal. Eternal things like the Word of God, His love, joy, and peace. God showed the apostle John a vision of the future and assured him with these words. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Aren’t you glad that some things are just temporary?

 “Keep Walkin’ “ from “Keep Walkin’ “