Our joy and peace are not found in this world. Nothing in this world is related to peace and joy and has no bearing on them unless we deliberately let people or circumstances or conditions or anything else in this fallen world have an impact on our joy and peace. It’s all about focus and priority. Our daily needs (Matthew 6:31-34) are known to God and He has set the priority for us – seek FIRST and all needs will be met. Our focus is not to be on things of earth (physical, material, financial) but on things above where (Colossians 3:1-2) Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Why? Because our Lord sits on the throne of absolute Sovereignty and total Power. There is no higher authority. We are trusting our souls to God for all eternity – so why ever would we not trust Him for the much lesser things which are all temporary?
Dr. C. Stanley – “Anxiety is unbelief in disguise and is a slam against God”. Jesus asked (Mark 4:40) how is it that you have no faith? When my earth visa expires and my heavenly citizenship is enacted, I would like to take with me robust, unwavering faith to be exchanged for endless sight.
As we often think about heaven with gratitude for the assurance that heaven is our Home – what do we know about our future eternal Home? Not as much as I’d like to know but here are a few things.
It will be made new (Revelation 21:1,5) a new heaven and a new earth. Behold I make all things new. I create (Isaiah 65:17) new heavens and a new earth and the former shall not be remembered.
Why a new earth? When John was weeping because a sweeping search (Revelation 5:1-7) found no one worthy to take the scroll, one of the elders said – the Lion of Judah has prevailed. When John turned to see the Lion, he saw a Lamb standing as though it had been slain. Crucifixion on a cruel Cross was the price Jesus had to pay to redeem the world and qualify to take back the title-deed. Adam had been put in charge and he turned dominion over to Satan. Now as Jesus opens the seals, all that is necessary on earth is accomplished so that He can create all things new. For that He must regain the title-deed.
There will be no sin or even temptation to sin because (2 Peter 3:13) righteousness dwells there. God will wipe away the very last of our tears (Revelation 21:4) and there will be no more crying or pain of any kind. There will be no sadness and no sad memories (Revelation 21:4) for the former things are passed away. Sorrow (Isaiah 35:10) and sighing shall flee away.
We will know our loved ones. The old hymn says – we shall know as we are known – but I think it could go beyond that. I’m always amazed and thrilled (Matthew 17:4) that Peter, James and John recognized Moses and Elijah – whom they had never met.
There is a place prepared for us Jesus said (John 14:2-3) I go to prepare a place for you and I’ll come back to get you so that you will always be with Me. Having a place in heaven is wonderful but being always with Jesus is blessing beyond describing. Just think of how much He loves us that He would want us to be with Him forever. No wonder Paul said (Philippians 1:21) to die is gain. Just think of the marvelous plan the Holy Trinity established for us long before Adam stood up from the ground and Dust became glorious.
As the children of the King we have an inheritance. Many of the rich dividends (Ephesians 1:2-14) are lavished on us now through grace as we are equipped with every spiritual blessing. When we get Home there is an everlasting weight of glory being achieved for us (2 Corinthians 4:17- 18) which is transcendent with never-ending glory and blessing. When Peter spoke of our inheritance (1:3-4) Nero was emperor and he had shifted his attitude from tolerance to persecution (we know about that cruel history). How the Christians must have longed to arrive in heaven and receive the imperishable inheritance which was reserved for them.
If we keep digging I’m sure we can see the cherubim and seraphim who will be our neighbours. Can we imagine what conversations we can have with angels? What about being able to discuss with Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Daniel, Zephaniah, Paul, Peter and all the other writers concerning what their spirit-filled writings meant to us?
CROWNING GLORY – we shall see JESUS!!!
In the meantime we need to (Philippians 4:11) learn to be content in all circumstances and conditions. But the way we learn is by (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) our faith being tested and tried. People who have great faith in God are individuals who have gone into (Daniel 3:24-25) and come out of the fiery furnace.
I’ll finish this up with some wise reminders from the late Major Ian Thomas: -
Lord Jesus, I can’t – but you never said I could,
But You can – and You always said You would.
 
Lord teach my mind, control my emotions,
Direct my will and govern my behaviour.
 
The life that Jesus lived qualified Him for the death that He died,
The death that Jesus died qualifies me for the life that He lived.