Please make sure to read and comply with our Copyright Statement if you plan on using these devotionals for any type of publication (including websites).

LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)

It is so easy to fall into the habit of focusing on the problems inherent in this life. Rather than seeing the glorious future that lies ahead, we center our attention on the emotional, spiritual, and physical struggles of this fallen world. In particular, as we grow older we see that our body is subject to natural law and rather than becoming stronger, it is growing weaker in every way. Yet if we view this process as a means of spiritual instruction it can produce tremendous benefits for us. If we are focused on the Person of Jesus Christ we will discover that our growth in spiritual maturity will more than make up for anything we are losing in the physical realm. As the spotlight of our attention is drawn more toward our relationship with God, we find that we are looking forward to the day when this physical body expires. As we age in body, we grow younger in soul. As the physical fades, the spiritual shines ever brighter. Our present decay is a reminder of the glorious day of renewal yet to come.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, my desire is to grow ever closer to You.