σκοπέω – to look, to consider
How often do I think only about what I can see? Even in the midst of lesser trouble, how often do I just look at my circumstances and lose heart? When was the last time I contemplated – actually considered in depth- the eternal glory of God and heaven?
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Paul elegantly contrasts extremes in this passage: suffering, yet taking heart; physical waning, but spiritual renewal; afflictions that are momentary, but glory that is eternal. The key to such hope-filled perseverance is considering and taking heed to that weight of glory that is unseen and looking to the glorious One who has suffered before us.
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thoughts and songs 