Long & Short, 4of4

~ The Christian’s Joy Will Never End ~

Because our activities are controlled by “time” we tend to think in the short-term. 

introduction:  Time—all time—is just an indistinguishable dot on the timeline of eternity (the phrase "timeline of eternity" is an oxymoron).  God is beyond the constraints of time in both eternity-past and eternity-future.  In this short series we will look at four critical aspects of this reality. 

The Believer’s Sorrow Is Short  ~  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).  Jesus said, “Then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22). 

The Christian’s Joy Is Without End  ~  “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).  “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads.  They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).   

special note:  If you are a Christian you may experience unhappiness and sorrow on earth, but you should always have a deep joy within (if you do not then refer to the formula for JOY in the prior post in this series).  In our future home both joy and happiness will always be maximized. 

concluding thought:  Are you sacrificing the eternal on the altar of the immediate? 

series conclusion:  The reason the four things presented in this series are all true is that God’s love, mercy, and grace are everlasting.  “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:17).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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