I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. Phil. 1:23 (NLT)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Rom. 8:18-19 (NIV)
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Cor. 4:17 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, the more we ponder our eternal future with you, the more we stress less, hope more, and live on mission. Our deepest desires and greatest longings will find their fulfillment in the life to come. Thank you for earning heaven for us, and keeping us for heaven.
We agree with the Apostle Paul, it would be “better by far” to depart this life and be with you, Jesus—not so much to get out of this mess, but to be with you. You make heaven “heavenly,” Jesus. It’s not about streets of gold, white robes, or angel choirs.
We crave life in the new heaven and new earth, when “everything sad will come untrue” and all things broken will become all things new. We’re foolish to think anyone or anything else can fill the void, ease the ache, or satisfy the longings we have for you, Jesus.
Bring us back to gospel-sanity quickly, when our “light and momentary afflictions” feel heavier than a river full of hippos. Rescue us the very nanosecond our math fails us—when we no longer consider “the glory to be revealed in us,” to be greater than the sufferings, crazy, and disappointments of life in this world.
Don’t let us settle for empty idols when you’ve promised eternal wonder. May our worship of you always trump our whining, and worries about everything else. Indeed, free us from all navel-gazing, second-guessing, and self-obsessing. So very Amen we pray, in your beautiful and bountiful name.
