God's City

 

  When I think of God’s City I picture a new Heaven and a new Earth, although my mind has a hard time pin pointing all that might entail.  But the Bible tells of the throne of God, streets paved with gold, a crystal river, brilliance greater than any jewels, walls made of jasper, no more pain or sickness, a new body, a time of no more hunger or thirst and everything good.  Along with all this, I’ll see my loved ones, and friends who have gone on before, and more than anything I’ll see the face of my Savior!

In the meantime, God has given us this earth; His creation to enjoy.  You can climb mountains, or move across flat plains, and enjoy vistas from hills looking overland or upwards from the valleys.  You can travel on roads; hike trails; cross oceans, fish from rivers, lakes and streams; visit cities or the country. Add to this the beauty of the bounty of trees, variety of distinct colors of flowers, wildlife and more and you realize how incredible it really is! 

As I walk through these amazing creations God has given us to enjoy, it makes me think about God’s City.  There is a sense of all that is right and good!  The views, like others around me, remind me God created this world.  His imagination is nothing short of miraculous.  There is no human who can duplicate His wonder or creativity.

It does, however, inspire us to use our own creativity.  While many of us can’t lay claim to being the world’s greatest artist or photographer, (although I’m certain there are those who could!) we are all given a measure of imagination. How we use this gift of ingenuity is as personal as each individual!  While portions vary, we are all capable of making another person smile, sharing kindness and giving a degree of happiness to everyone we meet in our day!

We will soon be entering the season of Fall which entertains Thanksgiving, to be followed closely by Christmas, a time of love and giving.  These special holidays offer times to reflect and have grateful hearts as we celebrate.  Yet, each of us every single day can take the best of what has been given to us and make it shine in someone else’s world.  We have reason to celebrate the warmth and love of Christ during this wonderful time of year, even as we enjoy the beauty of this Earth God has given us to live and grow in.

It’s true, many are seeing their lives disrupted due to weather phenomena which causes us pause.  Some find themselves with a great loss of material goods, and some even with the loss of family members or friends.  Still, as disasters come, there is time for ‘new’ — a time for rebirth and beginning again.  While it is often a stressful time, when we believe in a Lord that teaches ‘there’s always a purpose’ we can garner the strength to rebuild and look for the beauty even in our distress.

As a true Believer, we can know one day we will live in a place which is filled with His Light, a place of perfection, love, joy, inexpressible beauty, and continual praise.  I’m looking forward to that!  Are you?

Photo Credit:  https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/heaven.html