Do you want comfort? Nothing gives it so much as the thought of His coming. “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:1818Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)). There may be sorrow in the night, but joy enough—fullness of joy—in that morning (Psa. 30:55For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)) when we shall see Him as He is. It will be fullness of joy in being like Him and with Him forevermore.
When all the world seems to smile upon you, it is easy to think that there is little need to talk of such a thing as separation from the love of Christ. But if persecution were to break forth and come upon you and you were led forth to the stake and fire, you would feel that the love of Christ is very precious.
Saints often forget that Christ is a great deal more watchful than they are. He said to Peter before he failed, “I have prayed for thee.” As soon as the heart of a believer recognizes sin, it ought to recognize Christ praying for him. This blessed Lord is not only the restorer of our souls, but the One who continually renews the flow of affection between the Father and the wandering child.
The Father has all delight in Christ as the perfect expression of His love. What a God we have! Not contented to be Himself light and love, He has presented light and love and glory to us in His Son.
Has the delight and blessedness of fellowship with Him up there discovered to us the poverty of all down here? Have we—a heavenly people—heavenly stores laid up in Christ? Why put off the joy of heaven for a future day? Why not begin now to live in heaven? God calls us to rejoicing and joy in Christ now.
G. V. Wigram