Included in Paul’s wonderful description of “the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” is a list of things which cannot separate us from His love (Rm. 8:35-39). It is an inspiring passage for Christians going through difficult times. If God is for us, we overwhelming conquer through the power of a love supremely evidenced by the gift of His Son (vss. 31-32, 37).
Circumstances threatening to separate us from the love of Christ include tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and the sword (vs. 35). Forces which might cause us to question His love include death, life, angels, principalities, powers, height, depth, and any other created thing. But, tucked neatly away in this list and often overlooked are “things present” and “things to come” (vss. 38-39).
While things of the past can burden the present; they are, nonetheless, things of the past—things from which we must extricate ourselves and move on with our lives. We must effectively deal with things of our past, making things right with God and our fellowman. In the language of Paul, we must forget “what lies behind and [reach] forward to what lies ahead” (Ph. 3:13).
Whether “things present” or “things to come”, we must not allow our focus to be drawn away from the blessing of God’s love in Christ. Present circumstances change from day to day. But, Paul learned to be content regardless of his situation—whether living in prosperity or suffering need (Ph. 4:11-12). In the end, he declared, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (vs. 13). Trusting in God brings a great sense of empowerment in dealing with present-day difficulties. Though “the mountains slip into the heart of the sea”; God remains “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1-2).
As it pertains to “things to come”, we know the God knows “the end from the beginning…that [His] purpose will be established” (Is. 46:10). Furthermore, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rm. 8:28). God will take care of the future. In the present, we must fulfill His purpose in our lives. There is no need to fill today with regrets from the past or the anticipated problems of the future. “Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt. 6:34). We trust. We pray. We thank. We persevere. We keep on rejoicing. Why? Because of His undying love.
–Glen Elliott–