Heaven on Earth?

Week 21, Weekend

Lynette Ezell

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2 Peter 3:13 (esv)

Humans will go to great extremes to bypass problems, many times at the expense of losing treasures and delights the Father has planned for our brief lives here. We tell ourselves, “I could never do that, it’s too big or too much trouble or too interruptive of my schedule.” Often what we truly mean is that we want problem-free living, personal comfort, heaven on earth. In our earthly minds we desire to create the Garden of Eden here and when we don’t achieve perfection, we feel disillusioned, bitter, or depressed.

God’s Word never promises Eden for us here, so why spend so much energy and time trying to create it? Jesus taught His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Difficult times draw us to the feet of Jesus and teach us dependence on Him. In the kingdom of God, complete dependence on Christ is a prime measure of spiritual maturity. God is building persistence in our lives, not perfection. If our lives here on earth were perfect, we wouldn’t long for and anticipate our eternal, heavenly home. The apostle Paul reminded us in Philippians 3:20 that “our citizenship is in heaven.”

Cease fighting against the pain of life and focus on the eternal promise of life with Jesus. Although we do grieve our losses and experience painful times, we can rest in the Lord’s bountiful presence and infinite attention toward us. For those of us who are children of God, we have an eternity of problem-free living awaiting us in heaven. Christ has planned a glorious day! He has created a perfect home for us free of hunger, pain, loneliness, and abuse. The truth is, we close our eyes to this life and open them to the face of our Savior! He assures us, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Lord, I rejoice today in my eternal heritage. Guide me through troubled times, and may I never allow my pain or difficult circumstances to become bigger in my life than Your sweet presence. Gently bring my attention back to You whenever it wanders away. Heaven is my eternal home so keep my hands from crafting idols here. And for today, lead me in truthful thoughts and complete dependence upon Your eternal presence. Amen.