Experiencing Hell

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12

Whatever affliction or trouble a child of God meets with–it is all the hell he shall ever have! Whatever eclipse may be upon his name or estate–it is but a little cloud which will soon be blown over–and then his hell is past!

Death begins a wicked man’s hell.
Death ends a godly man’s hell.

Think with yourself, “What is my affliction? It is but a temporary hell. Indeed, if all my hell is here on earth–it is but an easy hell. What is the cup of affliction–compared to the cup of damnation!”

Lazarus could not get a crumb; he was so diseased that the dogs took pity on him–and as if they had been his physicians, licked his sores. But this was an easy hell–the angels quickly fetched him out of it!

If all our hell is in this life–and in the midst of this hell, we have the love of God–then it is no more hell, but paradise! If all our hell is here on earth, we may see to the end of it; it is but skin-deep, it cannot touch the soul. It is a short-lived hell. After a dreary night of affliction, comes the bright morning of glory!

Since our lives are short–our trials cannot be long!

As our riches take wings and fly away–so do our sufferings!

Let us learn then, to be content, whatever our circumstances.

(Thomas Watson, “The Art of Divine Contentment”)