THERE ARE ANY NUMBER of events in life, from the slow grind of the mundane to sudden unforeseen calamities, that inevitably erode the enthusiasm of youth and wear away the will. Responding daily, weekly, and yearly to these influences shapes our frame of reference to possibilities, and places, sometimes severely. This places limitations on our vision for tomorrow.
Scripture is laden with references to this wear and tear of the soul. In the oldest book in the bible, Job says “Man is born to trouble as sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7) Moses reflects, “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” (Psa. 90:10) Solomon warns of the time when “the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” (Ecc. 12:1) Each one of them was tested over time by God, just as you and I are tested in our Christian faith throughout our days here on earth. All this happens in our every-day walk.
Our way would be hard indeed, were we to simply let these solemn words weigh upon our weary souls. Paul, a man of many troubles himself, who had learned “to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil. 4:11), writes to the struggling church in Rome, “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4)
These same scriptures teach us that Job, after all his severe trials, lifted his vision above the steady onslaught of his woes and was able to say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:4) His story records that “The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” (Job 42:12) Moses continues in his contemplation, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us with your unfailing love. Make us glad for as many days as you afflicted us. Establish the work of our hands.” (Psa. 90:12, 14, 15, 17)
Moses would see this promise before him when he died on Mt. Nebo. He was barred from entering the new Land himself due to his sin at “the waters at Meribah.” (cf. Num. 20:6-13) But the Lord shows him the completion of his mission, saying, “I have let you see it with your eyes.” (Deut. 34:4) And Solomon, nearing the end of his storied life of power and wealth—and grave errors of judgment—says not only “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecc. 12:1a)—advice to avoid his own errors—but also, “Fear God and keep his commandments. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:13-14) The scriptures, as Paul has testified, confirm to us that in the end-story of these three men of God of the O.T., they all rested assured that their many trials were compensated in this life, and by clear inference in the life to come. Perhaps like Daniel, they heard the Lord say “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Dan. 12:13)
There is no greater overcomer of trials than the Lord Jesus. And, in his story, we find hope for ours. The Psalms prophetically record his voice of testimony. These words look forward to his crucifixion: “Save me, O God. Zeal for your house consumes me. I must endure scorn; I am the song of drunkards. They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me.” (Psa. 69: 1, 10, 12, 21, 29) The author of Hebrews tells us, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:2b-3)
The trials of this world have a purpose and a consolation, and no one goes through life without encountering the first, though many may not experience the second. The scriptures give comprehensive testimony to this. Paul has this firmly in mind in all his letters of encouragement to the saints of God. And so to you and me, he says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col. 3:2) This is a consistent theme from him, and more expansively he reassures us: “Therefore we do not lose heart. 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 Cor. 4:16-18)
Similarly, Peter says, “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. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Pet. 412, 14)
Just as Job, Moses, and Solomon were all tested in their faith, so it is true for all who follow Jesus, including you and me. In these regards, the most encouraging words of all come from Jesus: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt. 5:11-12)
Q. What is it that defines real optimism for life?
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