Jeremiah 31:13 Then young women will dance and be glad,
    young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
    I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

I learned this verse, set to music, over 50 years ago, and it has stayed with me. It’s interesting that this Japanese translation fits the music better than the latest versions of the NIV or ESV. The point of the verse is essentially, things might be rough now, but they’re going to be MUCH better. We can endure a great deal, but only if we have hope that things will get better. You could even say that our expectations are more important than our current circumstances. Actually, that message is found throughout the Bible, and of course, the ultimate example is the promise of heaven for believers. Paul went so far as to say, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) In line with that, Peter said, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) After all, Jesus Himself said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In the secular vernacular, stuff happens. However, if we know what’s coming ultimately, we can endure it. Of course, this requires faith, because we can’t see what’s ahead with our physical eyes. The good news is that God does provide faith to those who will accept and exercise it, and that is a secure hope.

I have come to the conclusion that I am particularly gifted in the faith department. It’s an amazing blessing! I certainly have my times of feeling down, for any of a number of reasons, but they don’t last long, because I have a rock-solid assurance that God’s already got it all worked out. I certainly don’t enjoy physical issues, such as the cold that’s finally petering out, and at times I’m ready to shout imprecations at Microsoft for computer issues, but I know, on the deepest level, that those things are all temporal, and as such aren’t worth much emotional energy. I don’t know what the days will hold between now and my eventual graduation to heaven, but I know my Lord, and that is sufficient. He has promised inexpressible good to me, and I trust Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for this past week of physical misery. Thank You for enabling me to do everything I needed to do, even in the middle of all that. I ask Your anointing for the marriage counseling I’ll be doing today, as well as the wedding itself tomorrow, and the preaching and then singing at the nursing home on Sunday. I pray that the remnants of this cold wouldn’t interfere with any of that, and that all of Your purposes would be accomplished on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!