How Cheering is the Christian's Hope

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7

When I read the words of this hymn, it immediately reminded me of Paul's letter to the Romans. We do toil here below on earth, this place that is not our home. But our faith in Christ gives us hope, because we know we are just "passing through" this wilderness of woe.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Christ's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We have hope - hope that does not disappoint! That is an incredible encouragement to me. God gave this promise to His people long ago, and it remains true today - when we hope in Him we will not be disappointed!

...Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23

Our hope points us to our eternal home, our final land of rest, where we will reign with Christ and His saints. Our life in the Son is our promise of eternal life with Jesus and God the Father.

The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I John 5:10-12

So, why we toil on this earth, dealing with the daily struggles and disappointments of living where we "don't belong," let us follow Paul's exhortation as we cry, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Romans 12:10-13

How Cheering is the Christian's Hope
Author Unknown

How cheering is the Christian’s hope,
While toiling here below!
It buoys us up while passing through
This wilderness of woe.
It buoys us up while passing through
This wilderness of woe.

It points us to a land of rest,
Where saints with Christ will reign;
Where we shall meet the loved of earth,
And never part again.
Where we shall meet the loved of earth,
And never part again.

Fly, lingering moments, fly, O fly;
Dear Savior, quickly come!
We long to see Thee as Thou art,
And reach that blissful shore.
We long to see Thee as Thou art,
And reach that blissful shore.