Heaven

Heaven

For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

Romans 8:22-23

There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven, but more often I find myself wondering whether in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else.

C. S. LEWIS, THE PROBLEM OF PAIN

When we begin a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we begin a journey to a heavenly kingdom. Seeds of God’s righteousness are planted in our souls, and we have new longings for things that are wholesome, pure, true, and lovely. We groan to be released from the bondage this world has to sin—the pain, decay, and death that we see as present realities.

Think of the contrasts in the following statements:

• a gorgeous summer day spent with friends at the beach, and a tornado leaving death and destruction in its wake
• an especially tender and meaningful connection with a child, and an ugly disagreement that leaves parent and child feeling alienated
• a hot apple pie fresh from the oven, and a container of moldy food in the refrigerator

I like the sound of the first half of all the above, but not the second half. I like things to be right! The reality of life here on earth is that although we experience the pain of living in a fallen world, we get glimpses and tastes of heaven when we look to God. May we be quick to see the promises of heaven in a beautiful sunset, a treasured memory with a child, or an unexpected gift that only God could have arranged. May we think more often about the glory that awaits us than the groaning we’ll leave behind.

Eternal God,

May the painful realities of life not lead us to bitterness or despair but rather toward hope in our eternal future with you. Thank you for moments of wonder and beauty that give us little tastes of heaven. Amen.