Looking Ahead to That Brighter Day

And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.  The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.  –Psalm 87:5, 6 (KJV) 

About a week ago I was telling a friend how that I had been blessed by not being afflicted with a serious cold in almost two years.  The reason for my run of good health may be related to the strict exercise routine I have been observing for the last year and a half.  However, I spoke too soon, for late last week I began to have a sore throat, runny nose, and that nagging feeling that a cold is coming on.  This morning I woke up with one of the worst sore throats in recent memory.  Fortunately, I happen to have a check-up with my doctor this afternoon, so hopefully he will give me something to make me feel better.  When we feel this bad what can keep us going is the hope that we will soon feel better.  What a glorious day that will be – no sore throat! 

Psalm 87 is a song of praise to God that looks forward to the blessings that await God’s people.  They had been through hard times, they had gone into exile, and they had felt the wrath of God upon them.  But God in His mercy had preserved a remnant of the faithful, and a bright and glorious day was awaiting them.  Theirs was to be patient, remain faithful, and keep looking to that brighter day.  Those that had been afflicted would one day walk again in the light of God’s grace. 

As followers of Christ, we too look forward to that brighter day that we know is coming.  The dark storm clouds of life may gather, but in Jesus Christ we have the promise of a new and glorious day.  The Lord will bring us through the storm and He will be waiting to receive us when this life comes to an end.  When that day comes there will be a celebration, a reunion, and a homecoming that will truly overshadow any trial or hardship we ever faced in this life.  Until then we serve the Lord with gladness and faithfulness, and we look ahead to brighter days that the Lord has promised. 

Keep moving forward, be encouraged, for one day soon the dark clouds will part and we will see the Lord.  What a glorious day that will be.