Again and again, God's Word comforts. Despite the suffering, we endure and focus on eternal things.
When we visit old age or assisted living homes we can observe the
"wasting away"and
"the affliction"
that overcomes our bodies as we age. It's uncomfortable and unsettling to see. We can't wait to get out of there and go home.
But the scene lingers in our minds especially since we ourselves may be aging and already feeling the decline, and wear and tear upon our bodies. Aches here, pains there; more wrinkly wrinkles, liver spots on our arms and so forth.
Paul told the Corinthians,
" ... death is at work in us, but life in you (vs 12),"
and
"knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence" (vs 14).
He then assured them,
"So we do not lose heart" (vs 16 ESV).
Paul reminded them that this state of decay was only temporary suffering. He goes on to tell them to look at the positive focus, that despite the bodily devastation,
" ... the inner self is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).
God is so gracious!
He contiued, it's
"light and momentary"
but by compasrison we look beyond to the eternal glory we will enjoy. Look to the unseen rather than dwell on the seen.
The "seen are transient" but the "unseen are eternal" (vs 18).
It's easy for us to say while we are still able-bodied. But we can meditate on these Scripture verses now, preparing our hearts for the further incapacitation that may come as we age further.
Think on the time to come that is eternal and when we have our imperishable bodies. For the here and now, we can build ourselves up in our inner beings, in our spiritual growth and relationship with our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit's comfort, conviction and guidance. I find comfort in this. Maybe you do too...
So don't lose heart.
~ ERC June 2026 ~
Based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV.
Sing, Eternal Weight of Glory (Wendall Kimbrough 2016), along with Breathe Back Ministries.
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