This Too Shall Pass
Southaven, Ms
By: Mike Upchurch
Did you know that the popular phrase “this too shall pass” is not found in the bible? Though it is often quoted with the implication that it’s a bible verse, it is actually a Persian saying. Its origin is attributed to medieval Persian Sufi poets.
Abraham Lincoln once used it in a speech prior to his inauguration, and doubtless thousands of Christians have quoted it over the decades, but it’s not scripture. It’s implied, of course, but that exact phrase is not found within its verses.
But just because something is not scripture doesn’t mean it’s not scriptural. It could very well be a tenet of our faith, interpreted as something akin to “We believe that everything is temporary and that we will be conquerers in the end”. That sounds good to me!
But I’m not here to burst your bubble, but rather to encourage you. While it’s true that a favorite saying of many during conflict and trial is not in the bible, let’s look at what IS found in there.
This……
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”Psalms 30:5
And this…..
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,”Psalms 30:11
And there is still more…..
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”Psalms 23:4
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.”Isaiah 54:17
“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.”Psalms 91: 14-16
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.”Psalms 107:28
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.”Nahum 1:7
“The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”Exodus 14:14 NLT
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”1 John 4:4
“we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”1 Peter 5:6-7
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”1 Peter 5:10-11
So yes, He will perfect you and deliver you, and “this too shall pass”, but let’s remind ourselves why we are sometimes in the midst of trials in the first place…..
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”James 1:2-4
In summary, there are promises from His word that tell us that He is there with us in our trial, and that ultimately He will deliver us and it WILL pass, and we can take comfort in that fact.
So, the next time someone says “This too shall pass” just smile. No sense in causing debate. But now you know the truth; that GOD also says to His children that “this too shall pass”!
And that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
