Dear Young Christian:
Sometimes things look pretty bleak and dismal. I was feeling kind of down recently, but a Christian friend of mine said to me the other day, “If the outlook is dark, try the up-look.”
I took it as good, sound, Biblical advice, and it has helped. In fact, it reminded me of a couple of contrasting verses in the Old Testament.The first one is, “If one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow” (Isaiah 5:30). In contrast David records: “They looked unto Him, and were lightened” (Psalm 34:5). In other words, if we are only looking at things from an earthly standpoint we are going to be discouraged and disheartened. However, looking to the Lord and viewing life from a heavenly perspective brings light and encouragement, even when things aren’t going so well. The days may be dark, but there is light in the midst of it through the Lord Jesus who said, “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca
