August 10

For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. — 1 Tim 4:8 BSB

True religion runs deep; it’s not something floating above us like a balloon. Like truth, it lies at the bottom of a well, and if we want to have it truly in our hearts, we must go down into it. Jesus Christ was “a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief.” He always took the lowest place, and if we want to walk with Him, we must follow Him down—down into suffering, humility, trials, and sorrow. When we’re lifted up by worldly happiness or swept up in excitement, we lose touch with Jesus in His suffering. We aren’t with Him in Gethsemane or at the cross when our hearts are filled with earthly joys. But when affliction comes, when burdens weigh us down, we find ourselves in the place where Jesus is always found.

If the Lord brings godliness into our souls in these moments and draws it out in a real, living way, we experience “the promise of the life that now is.” There are promises of strength, comfort, peace, and support that the world knows nothing about. There is a deep truth, a power, and a blessing that words can’t describe. When we are pressed down by life’s difficulties and the Lord meets us there, bringing godliness to life within us, we experience the fullness of these promises in a real and powerful way.

Godliness also has the promise of “the life to come.” It sustains us through life and death, guiding the soul into a joyful and blessed eternity. Grace will give way to glory; faith will become sight; hope will be fulfilled. Those taught by God will one day see Jesus as He is, and godliness will bring with it the promise of eternal peace, where every tear will be wiped away, and grace will be completed in everlasting joy.