Thursday, August 31

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬)

In this section of 2 Corinthians, Paul reflects on his competence and calling as a Gospel minister.  Interweaved into his comments, we discern his focus on bringing glory to God and a recognition that, in Christ and by living for Him, we participate in the eternal, even here on earth.

For me, Paul's commentary ties back to 1 Corinthians 15, which stated that, due to the certainty of the Resurrection, our faith is not in vain, but rather, through God's grace given to us, we have an eternal hope. This eternal hope gives us strength to continue in the difficult times during our daily walk:  "Therefore we do not lose heart."  Amen.

How do we keep from losing heart?  How may we overcome disappointment and loss to experience victory in Christ?  Paul speaks about an ongoing, daily renewal that comes through our connection to the living Head, even as our physical bodies do experience decay.  Jesus Himself spoke of "streams of living water" flowing within us through the presence and filling of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).

While God does the work to renew us, we place ourselves in position to experience that renewal through connecting with Him, through reading His Word and seeking Him in prayer.  We may also find that spending time studying His Word or fellowshipping with other believers to be deeply encouraging.  Simply put, we need the restorative, life-giving flow of Truth and the Spirit to strengthen us for the road ahead.

Where are you placing your hope (or finding your hope) for today?  Would you like to find that hope in God?  Let us live in grateful recognition of our great hope in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Lord God, thank You for giving us hope and providing ongoing, daily renewal.  Focus our hearts on what is truly important, and help us to recognize Your blessed hope each day.  Allow us to find strength in Your Word and in communicating with You and our fellow believers.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

"Because He Lives":  https://youtu.be/oPW9xYEyijQ

"To God Be the Glory":  https://youtu.be/-15v9iworAU