Trust MeSample

Heaven Close to Earth

Read: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)

Think: Passages of heaven have brought me endless comfort for as long as I can remember. Maybe it was my dreamer side. Maybe it was some difficult things in childhood. Maybe I’m just an old soul. Whatever it is, my years on earth have shown me one thing for certain: each of us, at some point during our journey on earth will taste the bitter of hell. And when we do, heaven can seem a little sweeter. What is it about heaven that you most look forward to, friend?

I cannot love this world like He does,

I don’t know how to die in this world like as He did.

But by His grace,

I’ll fight this race.

Lord, help me imprint more than just a trace

Of Your unfailing goodness in this transcendent space.

I’m just passing through, still I am here.

Divinely so, that much is clear.

Holding a Hand that doesn’t (always) feel near.

My calling reflected by only dimly lit mirror,

I mustn’t squander now, can’t shrink in fear.

Against better judgement perhaps,

But not cavalier,

I’m not looking for trumpets or “Job well done”, either.

{I do hope it’s true.}

Yet the thing that pulls me daily through,

That my spirit beats for when I pass the blue,

Is, “Darling, let Me dry those tears for you.”

Apply: Do you find yourself in the middle of some hard battles? If so, what? Does this make your soul long for heaven more? If so, what do you most look forward to?

Pray: Lord, sometimes life on earth causes me to really long for heaven with you. I know you’ve given me much to look forward to and enjoy with you someday. Yet, please help that anticipated joy to only further my obedience, devotion, and love for you while you still have me here on earth for a very special reason..

(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.)