I’ve noticed that the older we get, if there is one thing we despise it is conflict, and if there is one thing we desire it is comfort. And that is evidence that life is tough. It’s that fact that prompted the song writer to express his longing for “heaven and home”. If trials do nothing else they make us “homesick for heaven” and give us a “longing to go”. No Christian in his right mind would choose to remain here for eternity and miss all that heaven holds. But until that glorious day comes, we go from one struggle to another–finding ourselves in constant need of help.
As long as we are in this world there will be conflicts and a need for comfort. Since there is no escape from troubles and trials we must endure them–and we need more help than others are able to give. Fortunately “the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3) has given us “exceeding great and precious promises”( 2 Pet. 1:4), one of which is “I will never leave thee, nor for sake thee” (Heb. 13:5). There is never a moment when we are without divine aid from the One who is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). The arm that can never be broken is underneath us (Deut. 33:27) to keep us from falling. He protects, provides and enables us to bear fruit in our old age (Psa. 92:12-14).
Regardless of how difficult life is, we never have reason to despair. Although we get older and life gets more difficult God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And His power has not diminished one bit. To stay the course start every day by reading some of God’s promises. Here is a good one, regardless of your age–“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”–Isa. 46:4—HDS
