Trust Meಮಾದರಿ

Hearts Toward Heaven

Read: “And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Tim.4:8)

Think: Thoughts of heaven and Jesus coming back can invoke wonderfully lofty sentiments. As they should. But our feet are planted firmly here today. What strength for earth today can we find in these thoughts on heaven tomorrow?

I love how this verse talks about desire (re: “eagerly look forward to”). Desire is a funny thing. Have you ever tried to boss around your desires? Have you tried to enjoy healthy food more or befriend that person you don’t click with? It’s hard! Yet Jesus rewards our desire with a crown – calling it “righteousness” no less.

How do I make myself want something? Perhaps we can find our answer in lunch. Do you remember what you had for lunch yesterday? Or dinner two weeks ago? I’m guessing I had soup. I love to make soup. But truthfully, I don’t remember. I know it fed me and got me to today.

In Luke 10 we are told to “eat such things as are set before you”. There is something so daily, ordinary, even forgettable about a meal. And yet quietly, it sustains. Jesus, “The Bread of Life” (John 6:35) promises to satisfy our hunger (I do love bread, it pairs well with soup). Feeding on Jesus’ words, presence, and Spirit nourishes us deeply. We come back for more; because nothing sets our world right again quite like He can (is this why the crowning reward is “righteousness”?) Our hunger drives us to Him today, we are satisfied. Tomorrow, we will yearn to see Him again – whether here or in the clouds.

Apply: How satisfied does your soul feel today? What are you feeding it? Have you ever thought about the connection between what you desire and what you are feeding your soul?

Prayer: Lord, I desperately need to be fed and satisfied in you. Without that, I will neither be strengthened here on earth nor be anxious to see you in heaven. Guide me in finding ways to be filled by you. And on the hard days, when I don’t feel especially close or strong, remind me that your nourishing work is still sustaining me. 

(Tonya Nagle is a messy, loved, child of God. She has been married to her good man, Adam Nagle for 22 years, and together they wrangle 4 cantankerous and beloved teenagers. She is a complex trauma survivor who enjoys reading, creating, and chatting with just about anyone over very strong coffee.)