We consider Jesus who resisted unto death and was raised from the dead. In His most stressful times He still had His eye on future generations.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The future is not behind us but ahead but we must get back there in a sense. In other words we must focus on the Author and Finisher of time to move on into future events. Jesus knows our end from our beginning. So simple trust is enough even when He allows betrayal and hardship. Those who give into fear have taken their hands off the plow, looked back and turned away from the joy that is being set before them by God Himself. Jesus a True Martyr is the time machine. So we must all trust Him when we cannot see past our present circumstances.
Now as for the joy of the Lord. If His Lordship is not a part of our lives the benefits will be hard to see. We are encouraged by David to forget not even one of His benefits even in our past mistakes and failures. The future is out there to engage and take hold of it in the present is the goal. As Christians this is what our savior Jesus did. All can call upon Jesus's name and get power for a present need. Even those who do not believe that He is Messiah. He is God like that. So whoever you are, wherever you are don't forget Jesus laid down His entire life as a true martyr to get you in return.
He considers us worth it.
SLM
