Bride of the Lamb, awake! awake!
  Why sleep for sorrow now?
The hope of glory, Christ is thine,-
  A child of glory thou.

Thy spirit, through the lonely night,
  From earthly joy apart,
Hath sigh’d for one that’s far away,-
  The Bridegroom of thy heart.

But lo, the night is waning fast,
  The breaking morn is near;
And Jesus comes, with voice of love,
  Thy drooping heart to cheer.

He comes-for, oh! His yearning heart
  No more can bear delay-
To scenes of full unmingled joy,
  To call His bride away.

This earth, the scene of all His woe,-
  A homeless wild to thee,-
Full soon upon His heav’nly throne
  Its rightful King shall see.

Thou, too, shalt reign-He will not wear
  His crown of joy alone!
And earth His royal Bride shall see
  Beside Him on the throne.

Then weep no more! ‘tis all thine own-
  His crown, His joy divine,
And sweeter far than all beside,
  He, He Himself, is thine.
                                 Sir Edward Denny


...and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  1 Thes 4:17

     Who hasn’t heard or read a fantasy story about some handsome prince who falls in love with a poor beautiful maiden.  Of course they marry and the poor but beautiful maiden lives happily ever after with the future king.
     Though fairy tales are fantasy we, as common folks, long for the things which belonging to royalty would bring!  And how our hearts long for that happy ever after!
      But dear Christian, forget about fantasy and look upon what is your reality.   
     As a Christian, you are loved with “an everlasting love” and you were loved so much that Christ was not willing that you should take the penalty of your own sins and so He died in your place on Calvary.
     You, who were nothing, have forever the protection, care, and attention of the One who is King of kings and who is omnipotent, omniscient, and by whom “all things were made.”       
     Seemingly bad things will come your way which may affect your health, finances, and relationships.  And at times you may be very frightened by the harshness and brutality of this world.
     But, dear Christian, earth is not your home - it is a wilderness.  But it is in this wilderness that you will have an opportunity to know and learn of Christ in a way than you’ll never have in Heaven. 
     So, dear Christian, lean on His word for guidance and strength.  Trust in Him for the provisions of life.  Talk to Him often during the day - giving to Him the cares of your way.  And look for Him.....yes, even longing for Him......remembering always that Christ’s love towards you is such He won’t be satisfied for you to be forever here in this wilderness called “earth.”    
     And though there seems to be endless years of delay, there will come a day in which you will be starting your “forever” with the One whose love is best!
     That, dear Christian, is your reality and never ending joy!
                                                                                                                                              M. Robbins