Do Not Lose Heart.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Since the first time I read this verse, oh some seven years ago perhaps, I have always been encouraged by Paul's admonition to not lose heart. Throughout the years, this verse has drifted from my forethoughts, until today when I came across it Providentially, at just the appropriate time. Light and momentary troubles of this world will soon achieve for us an outweighing eternal glory... I cannot wait for that day!

The more I live life, the more I realize that this world is not ideal. I find myself longing for the day when everything will be made right. I have deeply believed in the first part of the verse in Philippians 1:21, "To live is Christ," but the second part, "to die is gain," was a far-off idea. I am only in my 20s afterall, and I thought perhaps when I was 80, I'd truly be ready to die. Well, God has made that statement a true conviction in my heart through the recent struggles of this past winter... I cannot wait to be with my Lord. It is a beautiful longing.

I have recently downloaded a terrific album, Your Kingdom Come, by singer Matt Papa. I must give a plug for Noisetrade.com where artists are collaborating to provide their music for fans to pay what they want or to get the music for free when they refer the albums to friends. Check it out!

Below are some Spirit-filled lyrics from Matt Papa's song, Hymn in C,

So if I live in want or I die in shame,
to live is You and to die is gain,
I in You and You in me,
my God, my brother, my Daddy,

And were I tempted with the best of Earth,
all its pleasures and all its gold,
and the fame of all its kingdoms were in my hands to hold,
I'd scorn it all for you given me the treasure of your Son,
now I'm richer then the richest
for you've given me your love.

Beautiful truths of our pilgrimage.