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, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
This scripture text from 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 is often quoted as a source of hope and comfort as we look ahead to what awaits us in heaven. Honestly, it’s one of my favorites.
But recently I’ve been caught up in the “light and momentary” part of this. If you’ve ever suffered through an incredibly difficult season, or if, like me and many others, you’re trudging through a forever grief, then this phrase can feel a bit flippant. Especially without the accompanying “eternal weight of glory” (ESV).
I had to ask myself, “Would God really be this dismissive of the hardships we endure in this life?” No, of course not. It’s not God’s nature to treat our heartache lightly. In Psalm 56:8, it talks about God collecting our tears in his bottle. And Psalm 34:18 says God is near to the brokenhearted. There’s no dismissiveness there.
So how do we rectify this seeming disparity within these two verses from 2 Corinthians? I’m certainly no trained theologian, but God does give me biblical insights from time to time and he blessed me with one for this familiar text.
I’m part of a Facebook group for Christian widows and widowers which has over 4,000 members. Of course, not all are active, but I am struck again and again by the depth and length and breadth of the heartache that is shared within this group. I often find myself overwhelmed with tears for the enormous grief displayed here.
And the reason that so many share their sorrows is because they know this group is one of the few, if not only, places they can go where the members can relate to their emotions – and will validate that it is indeed what we all suffer through.
And God knows EXACTLY the extent of our grief – individually and in the totality of the group. It’s massive. Even more so the collective grief of this world.
So how does a grief as boundless as this fit into the description “light and momentary?”
Thus my revelation from God. The ONLY way one can make any sense out of calling a devastating loss “light and momentary” is exactly by looking at it in comparison to the “eternal weight of glory” that is ahead of us. For me, the message is in the contrast.
Hang with me here. It might be easier to get our heads around the “momentary” piece of this. If we look at what a whisper of time this life on earth is compared to eternity in heaven, I think most of us can grasp how that becomes momentary. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes (James 4:14 ESV).
The “light” descriptor is a little harder to come to terms with. But once again it can only make sense in the context of comparison. Think of the most devastating time in your life. Now ask yourself, “What could possibly make THAT feel light?” The answer is: beautiful, never-ending, magnificent, awe-inspiring fellowship with God in sinless, perfect Paradise for the rest of our lives. More amazing than we can ever get our minds around.
As completely crushed as our spirits may feel in this life, our future in heaven is a zillion times more glorious than that. We can’t begin to imagine it. Any feeble attempt on our parts will fall pathetically short. So, Paul was correct in this letter to the Corinthians in calling virtually ANY suffering “light and momentary.” And he was an expert on suffering!
In the end, what we must do is trust God’s Word when he gives us these promises. I think that’s why this particular scripture has spoken so deeply to me. I’ve decided to take God at his Word so I believe him when this is how he describes our trials through Paul’s letter.
When you are in the depths of your despair, find comfort knowing it truly will feel light and momentary IN RETROSPECT when God brings you home. Meanwhile, hang onto Him, and let Him hang onto you through every valley you travel through.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2
Thank you for this. An encouraging insight into this verse.
Ten and one-half months has brought about tears, frustration, times of loneliness and times of questioning.
A faithful God has been patient and comforting to me. He has sent encouragement when I need it. Your post today has encouraged me.
Thank you.
I’m so grateful that these words were encouraging for you today. God knows, we need that daily. May He continue to be your greatest hope and strength. Keep your eyes on the prize!