The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.
6-8 That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we’ll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.
2 Corinthians 5: 5-8
All believers have the potential to be perpetual optimists. It is not because they are ignorant, or ignore the very real trials upon this earth. No! It is just that they know that eternal life in heaven awaits them.
Eugene Petersen’s Message translation paints a vivid picture using body language. He writes that believers do not “droop their heads”, or “drag their feet!” Instead, I like to picture believers looking forward, or even heavenward, with smiles on their faces, and springs in their steps.
As believers, our conversations should be optimistic, focusing on the joy the Lord offers us. We ought to pay attention to the blessings life offers to us. Jeana’s sister has a blessing book. Each night she writes in it 3 blessings from the day. They don’t have to be huge. We have so much to be thankful for as we look to the promise of heaven.
With determination, and a focus on our heavenly destination, even the few ruts in the road, and the rocks in our path will not stop us. We are heaven-bound, people! We should truly live with, and be inspired by that knowledge. It should be “a little heaven in our hearts!”
Prayer
Lord of heaven and earth,
Forgive me when the conditions on this earth cause me to lose hope. Remind me that You are not of this world, but that You hold the whole world in Your hands. Give me the perseverance to love Your creation, and to love others, as I am able, through Your spirit. Yet never let me forget that there is a better place beyond this one, which You have prepared for me, and for everyone who calls on Your name. It is in Your name that I pray this prayer. Amen.
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