“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”
Revelation 21:2-5 NIV
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In two months, my husband I will will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. I can easily remember the preparation I went through getting ready for our wedding. There were the many wedding ceremony and reception details that came together in the months leading up to it. But also, just as important, were the day of the wedding preparations as I had my hair, nails & makeup done and my beautiful gown and veil adorned. Doing as much as I could, to look as beautiful as I could, for my groom.
Since that blissful day, when we began to dwell together, we have gathered a storehouse of joyous memories, complete with five beautiful children. But, I have to be honest, that our family has also had our share of times with misunderstandings, hurt, and tears.
As I read about “the dwelling of God is with men” and “wipe every tear from their eyes,” I am filled with an even greater anticipation of that day when our family will live with HIM. Dwelling with Him, seeing Him face to face, where we will no longer suffer from the pain, living in this sinful world, causes.
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Father,
You have given us, through Your Son Jesus, such a bright and hopeful future, where we will dwell with You forevermore in the glorious Earth made-new. What hope that should give us! When the trials and pain of living in a sinful world bring us down and there seems to be no end to the tears, help us to cling to the true hope that only You can offer.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 NIV
Amen.
– Beckie (look2thehills)
Sixty-six books in a year 