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, meditating on the riches of these Scriptures, it’s hard to imagine how we could ever be too “heavenly-minded. The deepest desires you’ve written into our DNA, and our most intense longings for relationships and intimacy; the insatiable thirst we carry for an unbroken and beautiful world, they will all find their fulfillment in the life to come. Thank you for earning heaven for us, and for keeping us for heaven.
We agree with the Apostle Paul, it would be “better by far” to depart and be with you, Jesus. You make heaven “heavenly”. It’s not about streets of gold, angelic hosts, or being freed from this messy world and all of our brokenness. The essence of eternal life is knowing you and the Father in fullness, not simply living forever (John 17:3).
Forgive us, and free us, for thinking anyone or anything else can fill the void, ease the ache, or satisfy this longing we have for you. Bring us back to gospel-sanity quickly, when our “light momentary affliction” feels heavier than a herd of elephants. Rescue us the very nanosecond our math fails us, and we no longer consider the glory to be revealed in us to be greater than the challenges, disappointments, and sufferings of life in this world.
Jesus, don’t let us settle for a “quick fix,” when you’ve promised eternal wonder. Sabotage our every attempt to find life and satisfaction apart from you. Make your beauty and love more compelling to us than anything else in this world. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
