What comfort may be found in these words! The Lord Jesus has redeemed us with His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18), and having set such a value upon us, and bought us for Himself (1 Cor. 7:23), He will assuredly keep us (1 Peter 1:5). None shall pluck us out of His hand (John 10:28). Our life is safe beyond all contingencies, for it is "hid with Christ in God." Col. 3:3. "Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." Rom. 14:8.
Tossed about as we may be by ever-changing circumstances, still, to be entitled to say, "I am the Lord's," may well keep the soul in abiding peace. It is heaven begun below.
Come what will—painfulness or weariness, poverty or persecution, bonds or imprisonments, fire or flood—still the sweet words, "I am the Lord's," should enable us to say "None of these things move me." Acts 20:24.
And what strength will it impart if this little word, "I am the Lord's," becomes an abiding thought running perpetually through the heart! It will detach us from an evil world; it will keep us calm and patient amidst all its restlessness and striving, its tumultuous commotions and disturbances; it will raise us above its empty pleasures, and protect us from its dangerous devices. We shall then be anxious about nothing, careful only to please our Father, for whatever troubles may threaten or assail, we can come with confidence, making our requests known unto God, and His own peace, according to His word, "shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6, 7.
Death itself is not death to the believer; it is the entrance into life, unhindered by any of the things that press us down here in this world. But not only will peace be our portion, but joy will be ever bubbling up, knowing that "He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Heb. 10:37), and then we shall be forever with the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:17.) E.J. Checkley