Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct
words, saying, 'See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp,
tent) among them; and they shall be His people and God shall personally be
with them and be their God. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes and
death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning)
nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of
things have passed away.'
~ Revelation 21:3-4
Someday, some wonderful, glorious day, we'll be in heaven with God, living
with Him, and there will be no more tears or pain.
But right now, here on earth, we deal with more than our share of grief and
pain at times. It can be hard to hang on to God, to believe that the pain
will go away, but it will. As we live our lives, we'll face circumstances
that hurt us, that cause us to cry, and we'll even face death - the death of
loved ones, and eventually, our own death. But we have this great hope within
us - that the living God, Who loved us so much He sent His Son to die for our
sins - He'll live with us in heaven, and He'll wipe every tear from our eyes.
As christians, we have nothing to fear. We face momentary trials here on this
earth, but we will be rewarded with an abundant life of joy and wonder, in the
new Jerusalem with our awesome Lord and Savior. In light of our eternal
reward, these circumstances we face right now are nothing more than minor
problems. It's hard to keep that perspective, and there are times of real
suffering and pain, but He has promised to be with us til the end of the age,
and His promises are true.
Lord, as I face my problems today, help me to see them in light of Your
promises to me. It's hard for me sometimes, because the problems are so
overwhelming, and the pain is very real. It's hard to believe that someday
I'll really be with You in heaven, and that You'll wipe away all my tears, and
there will be no more pain. All I can see is this mountain before me that
seems impossible to climb. Help me to focus on You, Lord. Strengthen me,
encourage me, guide me through these circumstances and carry me through these
problems. Lord, help me to remember that You can use all things for good, and
they are all fitting into Your plan. Remind me to share Your love with those
around me, and help me to plant the seed of Your word in those I meet who
don't know You yet.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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