Asaph, the Psalmist, describes his struggles on earth. He sees others around him living a good life. Even those who have no faith in God seem to have it all together. But not him! He experiences all the struggles of life and what gets him through are three thoughts: God is with him, God’s word gives him direction along the way, and finally, he knows he will have an eternal home awaiting him. This is all expressed in two verses; 23-24, “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
These are great thoughts when we go through the hardships of our mortal journey. He’s never far from us in our suffering. Rather, He holds our hands through it all. The Bible is a guidebook to help us find our way through this valley of the shadow of death. If followed, God’s instructions will lead us to eternal life with Him in heaven. We tend to speculate about heaven much in the same way we do about Atlantis. Where is it? What is it like, and how can we find it? Yet, no one knows the answers to these questions unless he’s been there. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you, and when it’s time, I’ll return for you and take you to be with me.” I picture Jesus meeting me at my death, taking me by my hand, my right hand, and guiding me to my home that he’s prepared for me, where I’m welcomed by my heavenly father.
John Bradford wrote to a friend before his death, “I am assured that though I want here, I have riches there; though I hunger here, I shall have fullness there; though I faint here, I shall be refreshed there; and though I be accounted here as a dead man, I shall there live in perpetual glory.”
Chuck
“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.” (Psalm 69:32-33)