Heaven

How kindly God has thwarted me,

so that I might learn to glory in disappointments.

Robert Murray McCheyne

A couple of weeks ago, as I travelled in the Huon valley in Tasmania at sunset, I was amazed at the beauty of the country. The green-blue hills had snippets of pure white cloud clinging between their peaks. Above the sky was golden. I was listening to the hymn "Oh Lord of Hosts How Lovely". This hymn speaks of the beauty of heaven, the loveliness of God's dwelling place. As I looked out over what God has given me here and now, I marvelled over how much more lovely heaven will be. An unimagineable state of perfect contentment, perfect worship, perfect peace, perfect beauty.

I believe that when life on earth is a struggle, as it usually is at times, we are more likely to look to heaven. I well remember after one particularly difficult medico-legal appointment for my back problem, expressing to Mum the joy of the hope we have beyond this life. As I said to her, imagine going through this with no hope after this life! I know that one reason why God gives me so much physical pain is to remind me of heaven. To remind me of the loveliness of the life beyond. Of the life where there is no sickness or pain. Nor, wonder of wonders, will there be any tears. No tears over relationship problems, physical pain, discontentment, frustration, or anger. No tears at all. When I think of how much more my pain makes me long for heaven, I am reminded that there are reasons for it and God is working what is good. When God thwarts me, it is always kindly. It is always to make me look to him, and to the life beyond this one.

My friend Christina has written a beautiful song about heaven. I love it very much. I often listen to it over and over again.

Thy road is a narrow one
Hard to follow, hard to run
And my goal I cannot see
It is far away from me
I press on in hope of glory
In hope of lasting life
Heaven's highway is my road
Heaven's country is my goal
This road has a heavy cost
I am broken, I am lost
Lord send help I be besige
or my goal I'll never reach
Jesus comes all clothed in glory
Bearing hope and giving life
I have found the surest rest
Carry me upon your breast

His road is a lovely one
It is walked by God's own son
When I find the way too long
He sustains me with his song
Jesus' presence is my glory
All my hope of lasting life
Heaven's highway is my road
Jesus' glory is my goal
His road is a lovely one
It is walked by God's own Son
When I find the way too long
He sustains me with his song
Jesus' presence is my glory
All my hope of lasting life
Heaven's highway is my road
Jesus' glory is my goal

Check out Christina's web site to read about her, listen to snippets of music, and order CDs. This wonderful song is from the "Christina's World" CD. Christina has been travelling internationally playing the harp and singing. She was also recently featured in Australian Country Style (July issue).

Other posts on the topic of suffering include:

A guest post from my Mum

9-7-99 in the providence of God
Memories of Friends
Let God’s Mercy be Joy to You
God’s Mercy to Me
Kindly Thwarted