Meditation XCIV.
Meditation XCIV.
ALL THINGS MADE UP IN CHRIST.
Quiberon Bay, May 11, 1760.
Everyone is subject to so many losses here, that, unless he has a share in the bank of bliss, he may soon become impoverished of all his enjoyments, and be a bankrupt as to felicity. But what an enriching privilege is a saving interest in Jesus, whereby I am insured against all losses, and furnished for all misfortunes! For though in the world I may have tribulation; yet in him who overcame the world, I shall have joy. It is true my nearest and dearest friends may be removed by death; but in him I have a store of dearer and diviner relatives. My riches may fly away as on eagle's wings—but in him I have the 'treasures of eternity'.
So that it is but for a moment; and in the lowest things, that I can sustain any loss. My name may be reproached among men—but here is a divine antidote against that, that my name is written in the Lamb's book of life, who will confess it before his Father, and before assembled men and angels. My soul may be troubled, and my mind broken—but in him I have health and tranquility for both, for he alone gives quietness, and when he gives it, none can cause trouble. My soul desires much—but in Jesus is more than my soul can desire. My needs are great, and my necessities many—but in Jesus I find an overflowing abundance that supplies all.
My situation for a time may be lonely and desolate—but in Jesus I find the divinest company, and the dearest converse. His presence is a paradise below. Sin and sinners may cause me daily sorrow—but in him who me saves from both, I have abundant consolation. The things of this world may all seem jointly to go against me—but in Christ the things of the next world shall all assuredly go for me. I may wander from one place of the world to another, and be persecuted here and there for his sake; but he, who is everywhere present, shall be ever with me, and nothing shall be able to separate me from his love.
My comforts may all fall off, like the blasted blossoms of the orchard; but in him ten thousand more noble comforts shall flourish, and never fade nor wither. Every day may bring me new disappointments (and what else should I look for in a perishing world?) but in him I shall never be disappointed, even to eternity. Here infirmity may often break off my noblest exercises; but in a little while, I shall put on the immortality of bliss, and rest neither day nor night in his praises, yet never be wearied.
Here doubts and darkness may distress me—but Jesus is my direction and my light. In a word, I may be a complication of needs and adversities, crosses and calamities, disappointments and distresses, sorrows and concerns; but, in a word again, whatever my exigence can demand, whatever my soul can desire—is fully, wholly, and eternally in Jesus! Therefore, though death in a few moments may advance to put an end to my life, and cut me off from the world below; yet then shall my felicity begin, when, to sum up all my bliss, enjoying the fellowship of the world above, I shall forever be with the Lord Jesus!
Back to THE TRAVELER