this is the REAL life...this is not fantasy

I hope that you see life the way i do. It is a WONDERFUL life the Lord has given us. Yet, we experience so many painful things. There is so much sin, so much weakness, so much imperfection and hurt and the list of bad goes on and on. So how can it be wonderful? Because we serve a risen Savior! We have a hope for the future. And when you see everything in light of eternity, those horrible things seem to be such passing trials. Sickness will soon be destroyed. The killers and the violent will soon be brought to justice. Crying, complaining, confusion and the like will disappear. Soon He will wipe it all away and make all things new. And it will be very soon indeed!

I think so many of us don't see life as truly wonderful because we do not see events in light of eternity and His promises (we are neglecting to eat His Word and be transformed in our thinking). We see life as dragging on and on, one continuous trial. We are so focused on ourselves and our sufferings that we are blinded to His beauty. If we would only lift our eyes up and see Him and focus on His plans and His thoughts, all of our own suffering would wither away in His brilliant light!

It's not just thinking of the greatness of the New Kingdom; it is the joy He places in my heart even now. Even in the midst of sorrow, that joy keeps me strong. Believers, rejoice! Why does the Bible so often tell us to rejoice when there is obviously so much going wrong even in the Bible stories? It is a great mystery to those who are perishing, but to those God has redeemed, it makes sense. He is the only Source of joy and gladness, and His joy is so powerful, it has the ability to drown out the painful parts, even now on this wicked earth.

Let's rejoice in Him today. This is a new day. Choose to rejoice and be glad in it. Don't allow your suffering to get the best of you, whether it's physical or emotional or spiritual. Take your eyes off of you and place them on His altar. Bow down to worship your King. Give Him the praise He deserves. It will do you so much good, and it will bring glory to His Name!

I love you all. May His peace be with you.