What a Day That Will Be

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

I recently had the privilege of hearing this song at the “His Hands Extended” devotion.  Thank you John Miles and Joe Washington for singing these powerful words.  This song was written by Jim Hill, a well-known Southern Gospel singer and songwriter.  The inspiration came from Jim’s personal experience in dealing with the sickness of his mother-in-law.  He was a fairly new Christian, and while driving home from work, he was struggling with the question “why is this happening to my mother-in-law?”  Words began to fill his mind, but he had nothing to write them down on.  When he got home, he looked down and saw a piece of old cardboard.  He took the cardboard and pinned the words to “What a day that will be.”  I don’t know about you, but I don’t believe that piece of cardboard was there by accident.  I believe the Lord placed it at the right time for Jim Hill to find it.  I believe the Lord did with Jim, like He does with all of us.  He speaks to us during difficult times.  He encourages us during times of questioning.  And He reminds us that the momentary trials and tribulations of this life will one day be overshadowed by a glorious day in Heaven.  What a day, glorious day, that will be!!!!

Couple of comments on the lyrics:

• “No more” – Five times in this song that author talks about things that there will be “no more of” when we get to Heaven.  No more clouds.  No more tears.  No more burdens.  No more sickness.  No more parting.  Are you in one of those places today?  Are there clouds that dim your skies?  Are you saddened by tragedy or disappointment?  Are you weighed down with burdens and cares?  Are you sick in body and need of healing today?  Have you parted with a loved one where the grief and loss are still very real?  Are you having a “No more!!” moment?  Can I encourage you today to be reminded of Heaven.  Can I encourage you to think of that day when our Lord will take us to a place of eternal life and eternal joy.  Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you.”  He has prepared a wonderful place for His children, and it is an encouragement to me to think of that place (Heaven) when I encounter the heartaches of this world (Earth).

• “When He takes me by the hand, and leads me through the Promised Land” – When I looked up the lyrics to this song, I realized my memory had actually failed me a little bit.  I always thought that this line was “lead me to the Promised Land.”  That God has saved us and is leading us to the Promised Land of Heaven.  But when I found the lyrics online, they said “through.”  There is a big difference between “to” and “through.”  Moses led the people to the Promised land, however, he did not get to enjoy it.  He was an outsider looking in.  Yes, he was a man of God.  Yes, he was the Deliverer of God’s people.  But Moses was only allowed to bring the people to the Promised land.  There had to be some sadness and disappointment for those that were able to enter the land when they thought of Moses being on the outside looking in.  But I also like that this verse that tells us Jesus will lead us through the Promised land.  He has not only delivered us from sin, but will be with us when we enter Heaven.  He will be the center of worship and will be with us forever.  He will take us by the hand and lead us.  What an amazing thought!!

Have you ever been to a national park or monument and received a “guided tour?”  The one were the tour guide gives you special knowledge and insight.  They show you the “behind the scenes” kinds of things that make the trip even more special.  I remember getting the “guided tour” at the Biltmore mansion years ago.  What insight and extra knowledge one could have by taking the guided tour!!

Do you know that your tour in this life is a “guided tour?”  The Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us.  He is giving us special knowledge and insight to His word.  During times of difficulty, He is there to encourage and sustain.  During times of difficulty, He is there to comfort and console.  We know that He is working on our behalf “behind the scenes.”  We are so blessed as followers of Christ to have the Word and the Spirit to be our guides.  To take us by the Hand, and lead us to, and through, the Promised land.

I pray today that you will be encouraged by the words of this song and by the thoughts of Heaven, and that you will know that the One who saved you by His grace is with you today no matter what you are going through.