Here vouchsafe to all Thy servants as they ask of Thee to gain;
What they gain from Thee forever and Thy blessed rest retain…
—Anonymous 7th century hymn
After focusing on the certainty of trials in the Christian life last week, this morning’s service is filled with words of comfort. Paul reminds us in the sermon text that the difficulties of this present life are “momentary afflictions,” and that we can look forward in hope to the unimaginable “weight of glory” that awaits in eternity. In the Call to Worship from Psalm 30, the psalmist declares “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” The Scripture readings from Romans and Isaiah remind us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed,” and that the Lord promises to gather us even when it seems that He has abandoned us for “a brief moment.” The hymn How Can I Keep From Singing? captures this hopeful endurance well: though tumult and strife will come, though darkness and storms may gather round, and though our joys and comforts may die, Christ is still Lord of Heaven and earth—and our pathway grows smooth as we learn to love Him. The two communion hymns, My Jesus, I Love Thee and Before The Throne Of God Above give us a glimpse of the promised “mansions of glory” that await all those that the “King of glory and grace” has purchased with His blood. As we go about our daily labors this week, difficulties and hardships will come—that is assured. But do not lose heart! Using the words of our opening hymn, the Almighty Lord gently sustains us and promises to prosper and defend us. Let’s ponder anew what He will do for those whom He befriends with His love. —Henry C. Haffner