Our Heavenly Portion

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you will perish;
You have destroyed all those
who are unfaithful to You.
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.
(Psalm 73:25-28)

I love these verses. They display such heartfelt devotion to, dependence on, and satisfaction in God. When I read them, my heart says "Yes! So it is with me!", and in that moment the beauty and truth of the words resonate with my soul. It is a transient thing, however. Reality, or rather what we see as reality, soon interferes. When I get up from my reading, I am distracted by a thousand silly thoughts and worries. How can this be, when I know in my heart of hearts that He is all that I need, and the only One Who can complete me and keep me? How fickle is my devotion.

And this "reality" that steals my heat and mind away; how real is it? It is only the world, the flesh, and the devil, interrupting my mindfulness of some wonderful truths. Indeed, whom have I in Heaven, or on earth, but God? Who has more worth, or value, or is more deserving of my praise and trust? I know that my flesh, this body, this heartbeat of mine, will ultimately fail me. But He will raise me up, and keep me forever.

Can we really be "too Heavenly minded" to be "any earthly good?" I don't think so. Keeping our minds on things above, whatever is true, lovely and pure, hiding God's word in our hearts, all of these things keep a right perspective. The world is constantly "in our face", distracting us, and warping our worldview. But God's Word washes us and renews our minds, giving us a "right" mind, and the knowledge and strength that we need to face all the fiery darts of the enemy.

I have been thinking a lot about Heaven lately. Just allowing my mind to try and conceive of what it will be like to see Jesus face to face. I think too of seeing my brothers and sisters there, all of us rejoicing and worshipping around the throne of God. Surely there is nothing to compare with, nothing I can long more for, than that. It does seem purely selfish on my part. The thought of stepping out of this world, with all the sin and sorrow it contains, and stepping into perfection is a hope that brings me much comfort. It seems as if the glory of God is not my first motive. Or....is it? Because it is only in worshipping Him, with all our hearts, minds and souls, that we fulfill our ultimate purpose, and reach our highest, most glorious goal. John Piper says that God is "most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". And Heaven will be the place where we find our complete and eternal satisfaction, worshipping Him forever. So, I think I will keep on thinking on these things, and thanking God for His Word, and His Spirit, that have given us a glimpse of glory in the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Rest of Christ

"Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden--and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

There is also a FUTURE rest beyond any that can be experienced here, though our best conceptions are most inadequate of the glory awaiting the people of God.

In Heaven, there shall be a perfect resting from all of our sins--for nothing shall ever enter there, which could either defile or disturb our peace. The Christian yearns to be done with sin forever--that there may never again be anything in his heart or life dishonoring unto the One who has redeemed him at such infinite cost. He pants for perfect conformity to the image of Christ, and for unbroken fellowship with Him.

What it will mean to be delivered from indwelling corruptions--no mortal tongue can tell. The plague of their hearts is a constant occasion of grief to the saints--as long as they are left in this wilderness of sin. It is a burden under which they groan, and from which they long to be delivered. The closer a believer's walk with the Lord, and the more intimate his communion with Him--the more bitterly he bewails that sin within him, which is ever fighting against his endeavors after holiness. Therefore it was, that the Apostle cried out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death!" (Romans 7:24) But blessed be God, we shall not carry this burden beyond the grave--the hour of death will free us from all indwelling evil.

In Heaven, there will be perpetual rest from all our afflictions. Though afflictions are needful for us in this present scene, and when sanctified to us are also profitable; nevertheless they are grievous to bear. But a day is coming when such tribulations will no longer be necessary, for all the dross shall have been purged from the gold. The storms of life will all be behind, and an unbroken calm shall be the believer's portion forever and ever!

Where there shall be no more sin--there shall be no more sorrow! "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes! And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever!" Revelation 21:4

"Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away, and be at rest!" Psalm 55:6

(Arthur Pink)