Homesick for Heaven
I've been feeling homesick for heaven.
Is it even possible to be homesick for a place you've never been? Yes, I think it is. I think perhaps that is what Solomon is referring to in Ecclesiastes 3:11 when he says God "has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." (NLT)
I also think it's what Paul meant when he wrote the following words to the Philippian believers "I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live." Philippians 1:23-24 (NLT)
There are various reasons as to why I'm feeling this way right now. My husband and I were recently at Spring Harvest (a Family Bible Week). We were so blessed by the times of worship there. To be together with hundreds of other people all giving God their praise and worship was just so beautiful. We gathered from all over the UK and some even further. Anglicans, Baptists and other denominations were there, we were a group of people from varying ages and all walks of life, yet despite our differences, there was one thing uniting us, and that was our love for Jesus Christ binding us together. It was so special to be in the presence of God and lift up our voices to him. A taster of heaven. And yet, how much better will it be when we are in heaven, seeing him face to face. Our imperfect worship of him now will be perfect then. I can't wait for that day, to gather with the angels and Christians over the centuries, and be totally consumed with worshipping him.
We were privileged to sit under the teaching of Malcolm Duncan, who taught us some of the spiritual truths to be found in the book of James. I could have listened to him for a lot longer but unfortunately, on earth, we are restricted by time. As good as it was to receive this Bible teaching, I long for the day when I get to sit at the feet of the greatest teacher ever, Jesus Christ. To be close to him, to listen to him, without any of our earthly time constraints - how wonderful will that be?!
I also made some new friends at Spring Harvest. I love to get to know other believers. When you are with a group who all love God there is an instant connection because of the Holy Spirit within us. It was lovely to chat over a hot drink and encourage each other in our walk with Jesus. How much better will it be in heaven, when we will be perfect, just as Jesus is perfect. With no sin to mar our relationships with one another. I admit I'm also looking forward to meeting some of the men and women who we have only read or heard about.
One last reason for feeling homesick for heaven is that I have not been too well recently. Physically and emotionally it has been something of a struggle for me. I long for heaven where there will be no more pain, no more sickness, no more tears and no more struggles.
As much as I long for heaven, I realise that it is not time for me yet. I know that whilst I am here on earth I have a reason to live. God still has a purpose for my life and so I am determined to focus on fulfilling that purpose and run the race he has set for me. All for the glory of his precious name.
I quoted earlier from Philippians 1:23-24. But now I want to share with you verses 21-24 from the Amplified Version: For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. 22 If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice]. 23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; 24 yet to remain in my body is more necessary and essential for your sake.
To Think About:
Have you ever felt homesick for heaven? If so, what made you feel that way?
What is it you look forward to when you think about heaven?
How will you choose to live your life whilst you wait for your eternal life in heaven?
Vicki
If what you read was of interest to you, then you may like to know that my book "Dear Friend...52 Weekly Devotions to Encourage, Challenge and Inspire" is available to buy from Amazon, on Kindle or in paperback. (Its content is material adapted from past blog posts.) To learn more, click on the link below:
If what you read was of interest to you, then you may like to know that my book "Dear Friend...52 Weekly Devotions to Encourage, Challenge and Inspire" is available to buy from Amazon, on Kindle or in paperback. (Its content is material adapted from past blog posts.) To learn more, click on the link below:
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