2 Corinthians 5:6; While We are at Home In this Body

2 Corinthians 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

For the Apostle Paul, he longs to be with Jesus in eternity. Nevertheless, at the time of his writing this letter, he is at home in the body, and absent from the Lord. His work on earth is not done. He expressed this longing in Philippians 1:20-26 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

John W. Peterson wrote this inspiring hymn “All Things Work Out for Good” to encourage God’s people to trust Him as He works out His best design for their lives:

All things work out for good, we know – Such is God’s great design; He orders all our steps below For purposes divine, For purposes divine.

This is the faith that keeps me still, No matter what the test, And lets me glory in His will – For well I know ’tis best, For well I know ’tis best.

So now the future holds no fear, God guards the work begun; And mortals are immortal here Until their work is done, Until their work is done.

Some day the path He chose for me Will all be understood; In heaven’s clearer light I’ll see All things work’d out for good, All things work’d out for good.

May the Lord strengthen His saints with great assurance of God’s presence with us as we walk with Him this new day. Amen.