Here among the shadows living in a lonely land, we’re a band of pilgrims on the move!
Through dangers, burdened down with sorrows, and we are shunned on every hand,
But we are looking for a city built above.
These are the words to a hymn not sung often anymore – but they weigh on my heart as I think of the many here who are sick or hurting this week. This world is a lonely and lovely place. There is great beauty and goodness alongside great difficulty and pain. Our existence in this place and time is purposeful. God has something for us to do—but we eagerly anticipate a better day.
Heaven is best described as the place where God’s will reigns supreme in all things. It is the place where sin cannot exist—so neither sorrow nor death can survive there. It is the kingdom of eternal life and joy. It is the place where we come face to face with Christ, our savior. What a day that will be!
Abraham set out on a journey at the command of God. He didn’t know where he was going—except that God would show him. He didn’t know what dangers, setbacks, and heartaches he would face. The one thing he knew was the God who told him to go. That was enough for him. That’s enough for you and me.
“By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:9-10)
Keep looking for that city!