Monday, February 6, 2023
What do you hope heaven will be like? For me, it's sitting under a tree next to a lake, the sun shining, watching my family. All my dogs past and present are with me. It feels calm and safe, and I’m relaxed. It’s surely not sitting by a fire watching a snowstorm! Whatever it is, I trust it will be amazing.
Colossians 3:1-3
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
The past several months have been rough. I’ve been praying for healing and circumstances to change in the lives of some of my loved ones. Coincidentally, I started reading through several stories in the Bible—when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son and when Satan tormented Job. My personal situation and these stories have challenged my faith. I have so many questions, and I keep thinking, “I can’t wait until I am in God’s presence and can talk to him face-to-face!” Scripture says God will be with us in heaven.
Revelation 21:3-4
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Now, that’s heaven! No more tears, death, crying, or pain and unlimited access to God the Father, Jesus his Son, and the Holy Spirit. Wow! That moment when he wipes away all the regret and shame. Gone! All things made new!
God is the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. In heaven, we will know fulfillment and belonging, indescribable and unimaginable beauty and no longer suffer loneliness, rejection, or betrayal. Only nourishing, soul-satisfying food and streams of life will exist. There will be no more restlessness, irritability, or discontentment. Corruption, deception, and murder will come to an end. There is no darkness in heaven, only light.
Revelation 21:23-27
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Winning is knowing that my name is in that book and I’ve done all I can to present a clear view of who Jesus is. That’s why I am here! I don’t want a single person left behind and, more importantly, neither does God! So I can endure another day of what this world throws at me knowing that one day, I will be with Jesus in heaven.
Bottom line: A clear view of heaven gives us strength to face today.
Questions:
Do you have a clear picture of what heaven will be like? Do you feel confident in finding the answers to any questions you have? Do you have a spiritual mentor?
Next Steps:
Listen to Katy Nichole’s song “In Jesus Name” and think of someone you can sing it over. Continue to read the LivingItOut devotionals this week to gain a clear view of heaven. Share your vision of what heaven is like with someone. If you can’t think of anyone to have this conversation with, maybe it’s time to join a Group!
Prayer:
Lord, because you have promised us heaven, I can endure today. Thank you for the people who build up my faith when I am weak and for the ability to share my faith with those who need strength. Thank you for giving me purpose and a prize to run after. Fill me with your wisdom daily and continue to build up the church and its leaders as they pour into those who seek you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut, who is grateful for the opportunity to reflect, write, and share what God is doing in her life. She’s glad you came today!