Day 12
Revelation 21:3-4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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 away.’”
Hopeful anticipation is a powerful thing! It can keep us moving forward when everything else around us seems to be going the wrong direction. And what an amazing future we have! God is going to wrap up history (His Story) and bring everything to a God-glorifying ending and reveal an eye-popping new beginning. A new beginning that will exceed anything you have ever imagined. And I have a vivid imagination!
Hopeful anticipation also inspires faithful endurance in trying times. We remain faithful to Him because He has redeemed us and is asking us to join Him as we live out these final chapters of His story on earth. As the author of Hebrews tells us: “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.”
Today, celebrate in advance the end of the story and the joy that is to come for all who remain faithful to our High Priest and King, Jesus. Ask God for the courage to look forward rather than stare at the troubles of the day. Anchor your hope in the grace, justice, and love of God, who will one day right every wrong and heal every wound. He will wipe every tear from your eyes! Can you imagine that? The God of all creation will touch your face and remove your tears.
And even when we worry about the wicked prospering or the spiritual vitality of our loved ones, we know this: God is faithful. God is merciful. God is GOOD! You can trust Him.
Today, reflect on this:
Take a few moments to imagine the beauties of the new creation and experiencing a life without evil, pain, and injustice. Daydream about it for a minute and thank God that it is coming.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Exercise some faith today by living now in the hope of God’s great future. Pray for, and thank God in advance for, His participation in what you are believing Him for. Say to that mountain, “Be removed and thrown into the sea.” And give thanks.
Journal a list of five ways you can live today anchored in the hope of Heaven.