Do you ever feel like you don’t belong here? Try as we might to create comfortable homes for ourselves, things go wrong. Equipment breaks, technology fails, lightening strikes, trees fall, waters rise, mold grows, insects invade. There’s no end to the number of things that can go wrong–just with our stuff.
What about our bodies? Try as we might to maintain healthy bodies, things go wrong. Bones break, bacteria overpopulates, viruses attack, aches and pains take root, cancer strikes, systems fail. There’s no end to the number of things that can go wrong with our bodies.
What about with relationships? Try as we might to have healthy relationships, things go wrong. Miscommunication, misunderstanding, hurt, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, isolation. There’s no end to the number of things that can go wrong in our relationships.
Isn’t it exhausting?
Although there are people and things I love here, nothing is holding me here but God’s will. Because I don’t belong here. None of us belongs here.
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.” – Philippians 3:20
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” – Hebrews 13:14
Please do not misunderstand me. We aren’t to decide to leave this world on our own. Just as God decided to create us, He gets to decide when we’re ready to come home.
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” – Revelation 4:11
Rather, take this as encouragement when things go wrong and you feel ill at ease. There’s a reason–this world is broken. We’re broken. And everything is breaking down further still. But it won’t always be this way! We, in our perfect bodies, will live in paradise someday. In the meantime, we have two opportunities while we’re here to fulfill the greatest commands.
#1) Learn to love God
This life is a test. The first big decision is, are we going to believe God? Once we do, we’ll spend the rest of our lives learning to love and trust Him more.
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5
“Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, My Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” – John 14:21
#2) Learn to love people
Again, this life is a test. What are we going to do with what God has given us? Are we going to keep it for ourselves? Or are we going to share His love with others?
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” – John 13:34
“We love each other because He loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.” – 1 John 4:19-21
“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” – Proverbs 10:12
There are countless scriptures I could bring up illustrating our need to love God and others. But I pray that we are successful in this life so that, when the glorious day comes that Christ returns for us, we will hear these words:
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” – Matthew 25:21
In the meantime, take heart–
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
–and keep looking onward and upward to better things, remembering God’s promises.
“But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:16
Personally, I don’t want to leave this world as long as there are people who need me. But if God decides to rapture us today, that would be fine by me. I’m really looking forward to heaven and the new earth.
“But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.” – 2 Peter 3:13
So, if you’re feeling discouraged today, look up. There are bigger and better things in store. We get to spend eternity with our heavenly Father in the true home He created for us. I look forward to seeing you there.
You are loved,
J F Rogers