A Great Only

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
How often we use the word only! “It is only for a little,” “only once,” and so on; and how often the thought that only a little longer and we shall be with the Lord cheers on the believer. Again, looking ahead, and taking thought for the morrow, as we often do in spite of Matthew 6:3434Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34), how often we find what we dreaded most, was only meant for our blessing!
Many things too we dread are only blessings in disguise.
Standing a while ago by the deathbed of a young woman dying of consumption, I said to her, by way of comfort, “It is only to be with Christ,” alluding to her death, which took place that day. “Ah,” said she, “that is a great only.” I was struck with the words, and have thought since how true. It is indeed a great only.
Reader, have you ever thought of death like that? As only to be with Christ? Have you ever thought of what that only involves? “In Thy presence is fullness of joy,” we find in Psalm 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11). To be with Christ, is to have every wish, every desire, satisfied.