We want to know more of our true character as strangers here; it would remove many difficulties out of our path, and make many things pleasant which are now really very trying. People think but little of many inconveniences a n d hardships they have to endure while on a journey away from home, which, if at home, would not be so easy to put up with. We shall have plenty of rest and ease when at home in the Father's house. Besides, if we are looking onward with delight and joy to something which is coming, we do not feel the pressure of present things half so much as those who are not doing so; therefore we do well at all times to keep that bright day of glory before our souls, knowing that it will soon burst upon our view in all its eternal realities; and in the light of that glory, present things look so little-Oh, so little! But on the other hand, everything connected with Christ and His Church, so weighty-Oh, so weighty!
I wish these things had more power over us all, for I see very plainly that much of the weakness and failure among God's people is because these things are so little before our minds. We get to looking at the things which are seen, instead of the things which are unseen, and our souls get dragged down by them. It would not be so were we more occupied with Christ up there and His glory down here, ever ready to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
May the Lord keep us from looking for ease or satisfaction in this world, for, if we do, we shall be sadly disappointed, because it is not to be found in it. It is a plant that will not grow upon earth; earth is too ungenial a soil for it; but it grows freely in heaven, and we get, as it were, a small bud now and then from the tree; but we no sooner have it than it withers in our hand (the atmosphere of earth is so bleak and chilly), but we shall be able to enjoy it fully when we are with the Lord. It is in Him alone that joy is to be found, and we ought to be drawing from Him now, moment by moment; but we are prone continually to look for it in something down here. This is a great mistake, and we reap sorrow instead of joy in so doing. (Phil. 4:44Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4).)