June 6

How To Meet Discouragements

For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. — 2 Cor 4:17-18 BSB

Notice the striking contrasts in this chapter: light versus darkness; life versus death; pressure, perplexity, pursuit, and persecution on one side, and on the other, victory, unshakable hope, and the bright glow of Christian faith. The outward body may decay, but the inward person is renewed day by day. Our earthly troubles are light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. Our brief time on this earth stands in stark contrast to the eternity of heavenly bliss.

It’s crucial that we don’t miss the great blessing available to every troubled soul. Some may sit down in defeat before their trials, hopeless and overwhelmed. Others may endure hardship stoically because they feel they have no other choice. But the highest Christian response is to be thankful, even as the outer vessel breaks, if it means that Christ’s light can shine through. It is to be content with carrying the dying of Jesus in our bodies, if it means His life can be revealed through us.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee in trouble to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

Prayer

Fix my heart on You, Lord, so that amidst the changes and challenges of this life, I may remain steadfast and immovable, always abounding in Your work. Amen.