Until Then

"Until Then," a precious hymn loved by many Christians, was written by Stuart Hamblem. Stanza 3 states,

The things of earth will dim and lose their value

If we recall they're borrowed for a while;
And things of earth that cause our hearts to tremble,
Remembered there will only bring a smile.

This stanza presents two wonderful truths that have to do with a Christian's satisfaction in life; it speaks first of what a believer does want and then of what he does not want. Anyone, of course, is happy to have the things that he does want. The first two lines give the reminder, however that those good and pleasant things are only temporary. They are for the believer to enjoy for a short time, but they are borrowed. They pale in comparison to the good things that will be received in heaven and enjoyed for all eternity. No matter how good a blessing is on this earth, it is temporary. With no eternal value, that blessing is not so important.

On the other hand, a believer is often unhappy to have things that he does not want. The trials, fears, disappointments, and challenges of life are not pleasant. They might cause extreme pain or sorrow. These also are temporary. These difficult things pale in intensity when one realizes that they are only for this short time on earth. In heaven they will be forever removed and will be replaced by the glory and splendor of heaven. No matter how bad a difficulty is on this earth, it is temporary. With no eternal duration, that trial is not so important.

A heavenly view - a frequent reminder that heaven is coming - will do much to wean the believer's heart from dependence on the blessings of this world. It will also do much to put into focus and soften the difficulties of this world.

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are seen are eternal." II Corinthians 4:18 (NASB)