The Hilltop Perspective

Things just look a little different
when you think you soon may die;
you begin to shift attention 
to the land beyond the sky.

When you can’t keep up with doing,
and you don’t need what you’ve got,
then the big dreams you once cherished
somehow do not mean a lot.

If you know the Lord, you’ll manage
still to keep a steady chin
and not spend your time in worrying
over things that might have been.

If you’ve come to know the Savior
and to His Word you really hold,
you will look into the future
with excitement, staying bold.

Some may speak about “the valley;”
that’s not how it has to be.
Think of it as the last hill top, 
where God’s glory you will see.

Now’s the time to sing of mercy
God supplies from day to day,
and the joy of His salvation
as you pause to read and pray.

Why not spend some time in singing
the old songs that bless the soul?
And keep telling that sweet story
of the Christ who made you whole.

fpn 5/83



Picture: depositphotos.com #36983703, standard license

Dying Grace

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil. 1:21

We sing about the joys of heaven
and how we long to go;
and understandably, we add,
“Some day—but not just now!”

We’ll spend our utmost, Satan said,
to live—yes, so it seems,
and heaven can wait, which we confess,
exceeds our wildest dreams! 

Within the providence of God
there comes a time to die;
why then should we, who know the Lord, 
so reluctantly comply?

We testify that Jesus is
our best friend, true and tried;
but mesmerized by this world’s charms,
forget we are His bride!

“O grave, where is thy victory?
O death, where is thy sting?”
Is this to us mere rhetoric—
words with a hollow ring?

“But I’m still needed in this world!”
Perhaps—to ease some woe,
but when our Lord says, “That’s enough,”
we should be glad to go.

And thanks to God, life can be good;
His grace we may employ;
if we commune with Him each day,
we’ll know His peace and joy.

“My times are in Thy hand,” dear Lord—
alike, in joy or pain;
and so, “For me to live is Christ—
to die—eternal gain!”

fpn /1995


Picture: depositphotos.com #15816415, standard license