Persevering In The Present

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4

At times, we all have difficult experiences that never seem to end. Despite our best plans, we are unable to change paths and improve our circumstances, which leaves us frustrated. This feels especially poignant for those of us who struggle with depression.

Everyone is susceptible to distress. We live in a fallen world where our bodies are not invincible. Some distress lasts only a short period. We follow the prescription, and we are cured. Other illnesses don’t go away. We are left with feelings of fear, anxiety, and or sadness about the future.

Living with a chronic distress state can be overwhelming, and we might be tempted to substitute thriving for existing. The truth is, we might not be healed on this side of heaven. But the book of Revelation gives a glimpse of what life will be like after we die. A day is coming when our loving Father will make all things right. Our tears will stop because there will be no more pain. The sadness that hung over us for a time will be no more.

In this life, we might never understand the why behind our suffering, but we should never forget we serve a God whose thoughts and ways are above ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). His vision and plan for us is broader than our limited view and comprehension. Though our eyes might be looking expectantly to the blessings of the future, we can also find joy and peace in the present, resting in the knowledge that our all-knowing and compassionate Father is right here with us.

God is never late and rarely early. He is always exactly right on time—his time.

Dillon Burroughs

Sometimes arriving too quickly is detrimental. It is dangerous to arrive without our character mature or intact.

Lisa Bevere

To wait on God means to pause and soberly consider our own inadequacy and the Lord’s all-sufficiency, and to seek counsel and help from the Lord, and to hope in Him. … The folly of not waiting for God is that we forfeit the blessing of having God work for us.

John Piper

For Further Reflection

Proverbs 16:9; Galatians 5:22; James 1:4

Today’s Prayer

Lord, it’s hard to understand why life happens the way that it does. While I don’t understand everything, I do understand that when you come again, everything will be made right and whole, including me. Thank you for that promise! Amen.