“Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” Luke 21:28
We are entering upon a new year, we shall have new toils, new trials, new temptations, and new troubles; but whenever they come — let us “look up!”
There may be national calamities — such as pestilence, famine, or war. . .
There may be persecution — laborers may lose their jobs, cottagers their cottages, and children many of their comforts, for Christ’s and conscience’ sake.
Providence may frown and throw us into perplexity and difficulty; losses and crosses may become almost our daily lot; we may think that God is turned against us, and that everything is contrary to us. . .
We may be called to change our residences, and leave dear friends and connections behind us; or, what is worse, our friends may be alienated from us, and turn against us. . . If death should enter in at our windows, and take away the desire of our eyes with a stroke; if our parents should die, our children be removed, or our wives or husbands be laid in the grave. . .
If darkness becloud our evidences, obscure our path, and throw its gloom over our minds; if discouragement brood over our souls, or place stumbling-blocks in our way. . .
If thrown on the bed of sickness, racked with pain and fainting with weakness; if death stand before us, and the grave appear ready for us; if eternity throws its revealing light upon us, or draws back its curtain to us —
Let us not tremble, or shake with fear, but let us “look up.” In whatever state, in whatever place, into Whatever condition we may be brought this year — let us seek grace to follow our Lord’s loving advice, and “look up.”
