I know it seems like I have said in previous posts how much I love the fall, how much I love Christmas, and I think I have talked about how much I love summer. All this is true. But I do have to say, spring is very special. Nothing beats a beautiful spring day full of new green buds on the trees, green grass sprouting up through the brown of winter, and in central Texas the bluebonnets are a special treasure. I was leaving for work one morning recently on a particularly lovely sunny day and the song “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash popped into my head. It seemed fitting so I asked Siri to play it thinking it would be a good theme song for the morning. I often get my glimpses of heaven in music, so I just smiled as the lyrics to this song that I have heard so many times suddenly took on new meaning.
Even on the brightest days, it seems darkness is pervasive; it seems to be coming from all directions. You have to actively pursue the light or darkness threatens to overtake you. That is why this glimpse was so welcome that morning and it got me thinking about how eternity will bring an endless supply of bright, sun shiny days. That probably sounds incredibly corny and cliche, but quite literally we can have sunny days for all eternity once we enter the New Heaven and New Earth. Revelation 21:23 says: “And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.” Isaiah 19 says: “19 “No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the LORD your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the LORD will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.”
We will no longer live with the fear that literal or figurative darkness brings. The things of this world will pass away and we will be left with hope and promise for an eternal future that is always bright. Now, does this mean we will never have a sunrise or sunset? Will we never see the millions of stars in the sky again? I don’t think that is what the Bible is telling us. The passage in Revelation talks about the “city” having no need for the sun or moon. God’s glory will illuminate that city and it truly may never go dark there. But that does not mean there will be no variance of light. As with all things in the New Heaven and New Earth, we can’t assume that the rules that we live by on this current earth will apply. In his book “Heaven”, Randy Alcorn says “I’m speculating, but I don’t believe these passages demand constant and unvarying brightness, certainly not outside the New Jerusalem. There may be diffused light or twilight, without total darkness. Light may be constant in the Holy City but not necessarily in the cities and countries outside the city gates. To view the heavens, we might travel to the far side of the moon and other places where stargazing is unhindered by light and atmospheric distortion. Imagine the quality of telescopes that redeemed minds will design and build. We may be able to visit innumerable planets from which the wonders of the night sky can be viewed to the praise and glory of God.”
When I read this, I imagine God using a supernatural dimmer switch to create effects that our minds can’t even begin to comprehend at this point. The beauty that awaits us is so far beyond our imagination. But no matter what surrounds us, the peace in our hearts is the key that will allow us to fully enjoy what we see. As we live in our current bodies, even the most beautiful days are tainted by the fearful thoughts that enter our minds and we can never fully relax and appreciate all that is around us. When things are going well, we always dread what is inevitably coming next. Soon, that will no longer be the case. The bad news will end and there will be no more storms looming in the distance. We will see the beauty of God’s creation in the fullness He intended with eyes that can even look on the light of God’s glory that envelops us with delicious warmth and joy. I can’t wait! ❤️
Jodi
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Thank you, Jodi, for these glimpses of light, of God’s Love for us and of our eternal home with him in Heaven. These glimpses are more and more precious as each of these days unfolds.
I am grateful for every glimpse as it confirms just how near the Lord is to us! Times are hard and getting harder, but he is drawing us under his wing of protection as we seek him!
Thank you, Jodi, for these glimpses of light, of God’s Love for us and of our eternal home with him in Heaven. These glimpses are more and more precious as each of these days unfolds.
Hi Jodi, love this work, but I hope God gives us an occasional thunderstorm, because most of my glimpses have occurred during thunderstorms. One of the things that brought me to Texas. You can feel God’s presence, and back in the vulnerability.
Sorry for the late reply! I agree- the storms also reflect His power and majesty and I also love a good rainstorm, especially knowing no destruction would come from the storm in the New Heaven and New Earth!
I posted a long ramble, but the interwebs must have eaten it. The gist was I hope there are thunderstorms, because that’s when I really feel his presence.