And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell 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.” 

Revelation 21:3-4, NIV

In a complex and anxious age, we can have peace with God. How remarkable! The world is a place of drama and trauma: wars, poverty, crime, political strife, natural disasters, relational pain, misunderstandings and unmet aspirations. Yet, God has “determined our appointed time…and we can seek him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us” (Acts 17.26-28). 

Though we live on earth, we are citizens of heaven and he sees and knows us deeply. Though today we experience a foretaste of his goodness and grace, there will come a day when we fully experience him. Remember when Jesus “took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them”? As we, his children, climb into his arms, in gentleness, tenderness and affection—the one who wept will wipe away our tears. The one who died on the cross will abolish death forever. The one who mourned will end mourning. The one who suffered will end pain for all time. 

His presence will fulfill our hope and faith and bring everlasting healing, joy and peace. 

Prayer Guide:

1. What sorrow are you carrying today that you need to sit in the presence of God and receive his comfort? 
2. How can we live according to our heavenly citizenship? 
3. Pray today for those who are experiencing loss or going through a particularly hard season of life.