SOME THOUGHTS ON THE HOPE OF HEAVEN

I recently read a story about a young woman hospitalized for severe depression. She never took her eyes off the ground and rarely spoke a word. One day, a doctor with an unusual last name was assigned to her. He introduced himself as Dr. Heaven.

That was his real name, and it helped change her thoughts. She stopped worrying about this life—and focused on the one to come. She took her eyes off her problems—and put them on God. She was released within a few weeks and went on to become a successful teacher. It’s amazing how having hope for eternity can change our perspective.

Friends, this life is not all there is. We were created with eternity in mind. We will live forever, but the destination is determined by our faith in Jesus.  Eternal life in heaven is a gift offered to everyone, but it’s not a civil right. We must choose to believe. As the Apostle Paul wrote:

“We are saved by grace through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8)

When we live a life of faith, it changes our perspective about death and gives us the hope of heaven. David wrote about this hope:

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

This hope changes the way we approach life. This world alone can’t make us content and happy since we only have a short time to enjoy it. But knowing we’ll dwell in the house of the Lord forever can give us happiness and contentment now!

Jesus gives us a glimpse of the hope of heaven in the Gospel of John chapter 14. Jesus said,

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

Regardless of what happens in this life, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. We have Jesus’ word on it—and that’s something to look forward to!

Bishop Jeff Greenway