How Firm A Foundation

I have been reminded much over the past several months that life in our broken world is full of suffering-suffering that truly takes all shapes and sizes- some is temporary, some will last for a lifetime. Suffering is something we would rarely choose and it typically comes in forms we would never expect. My old boss and pastor, Mark, always used to say that in this life you are always either going into a trial, going through a trial, or coming out of a trial. The longer I live and the more I am in relationships, the more I realize this is true.

In the midst of this the Lord keeps reminding me that the gospel must and does speak to this, that it provides light in our darkness, strength in our weakness, and hope in our despair- a hope that is not a vain wishing, but is rather sure and secure, that does not disappoint because it is wrapped up in the person and promises of Jesus Christ. Our hope is that while none of our trials and suffering seem "slight and momentary" what lies ahead of us as believers is "a weight of glory beyond all comparison." Our hope is for that glorious day where we will be ushered out of our trials and suffering, and the kingdom of God will be fully and finally ushered in! And our comfort as we wait for this day, lies in the glorious reality of the presence and purpose of God in our sufferings.

We sang this hymn today in church that was such a great reminder to me of these truths. It reminded me of the promises, person, and purpose that are present with us in our sufferings. And it hope to cling to and truths to pray for those I know and love who right now truly find themselves in the "rivers of sorrow" and "fiery trials" and who feel without a doubt that theirs is "the soul that all hell doth endeavor to break." May these words encourage your heart as well...

How Firm a Foundation...

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord

Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!

What more can he say than you to you he hath said

To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"Fear not I am with you, O be not dismayed,

For I am your God and will still give you aid;

I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

"When through the deep waters I call you to go,

the rivers of sorrow shall not you overflow

For I will be with you, your troubles to bless

And sanctify to you your deepest distress."

"When through fiery trials your pathway shall life,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;

The flame shall not hurt you, I only design

Your dross to consume and your gold to refine."

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell, should endeavor to break,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake."