To what are you looking forward? Is it some planned special event like a wedding, a birth, a reunion of friends or family, or a vacation. Perhaps you are looking forward to retirement or just some free time to unwind. The things that promise to bring us joy give us encouragement and strength to carry on.
In the Bible, the book of Revelation points us to future events. Parts of this book is meant to be a serious warning to those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ. If nonbelievers truly understood the terrible things that will happen in the future, they would surely repent and believe. On the other hand, the remainder of the book is a strong encouragement to believers, based on God’s promises.
Revelation 21:3-4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”‘ For His children, God promises to remove all forms of suffering when we pass into His presence. Now that is something to look forward to and be encouraged.
If you are currently living outside of these promises, by having never trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, please consider the promises of God and the reality of a future outside of God’s presence.
Reluctant Retiree 