Looking Forward in Times of Trouble
THERE are two ways of looking forward—of losing sight of the present in the thought of the future. One is, to anticipate dark days and days of evil, in times of light and joy; the other is, to anticipate the better things God has prepared for us, while we are in sorrow and need. The latter way is the better way; it is the only right way. The other way is as wrong as it is unwise and pernicious. There was a beautiful illustration of this better way in one of the latest utterances of the good Dr. Plumer, on his dying-bed, at Baltimore. It was during a season of much personal suffering that he said, in cheerfulness: “One night in Jesus' bosom will be worth all this.” That is the way to look at our sorest trials. That is Paul's way; it is David's way; it is the way for every believer in Jesus: “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”—S. S. Times.