Have you ever gone shopping for a new couch or recliner? Even a new mattress? There are the ones you sit in that are so stiff you wonder why they’re called a couch or a chair. Then there are ones where you sink so far down you can’t get up. Until at last, you find the one where you sit down, and it feels wonderful. Like heaven on earth.
You are comfortable, and you do not want to get up. However, would you have appreciated it as much if you hadn’t sat in the uncomfortable ones or laid on the stiff as a board mattress?
I was pondering this today in relation to heaven. My pastor just preached on heaven the other day, and he jokingly talked about the picture he had as a kid where it would just be this one long church service. He was not excited about being there.
Considering yes, I admit I slept through some church services in my younger years, it wouldn’t excite me either. But the thing about heaven is we can’t even begin to imagine how amazing it will be.
One day there will be a new heaven and a new earth where everything is perfect. I think about all the times I’m uncomfortable here on earth.
The times where life is great, and I feel good, but I still long for more. Don’t get me wrong. I love Jesus and He’s in my heart. He guides my life, but I long for more than the day to day on this earth. I long for a day when all is perfect and there’s no crying and no pain.
There are a lot of days I really am looking forward to the no pain because living with a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia really can wear you down, but yet I see it as my thorn. It helps me realize I can’t do this life on my own and I need Jesus. And honestly if I felt good all the time I’d get too comfortable in life. Like sitting in the wonderful chair you found at the furniture store or the best mattress you’ve ever slept on. Do you want to get up?
If we had the best of everything on earth, we wouldn’t long for anything else, and the thing about earth is it’s not supposed to be perfect. We were created in God’s original design for perfection, but then sin entered.
So, the longing we feel when things are awesome, but something is still missing is the longing for heaven. The comfort of coming face-to-face with Jesus.
I can handle some discomfort and longing here on earth because I know it’s not forever and I know one day forever will be perfect with no more crying or pain.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed way.” Revelation 21:4
Oh what day that will be!! Thank you God, for the blessing of being uncomfortable!
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© 2023 Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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