Where is the hope? That’s what Steven Curtis Chapman’s song Heaven in the Real World asks.
If you’re old and cynical like me your immediate reaction is “There is NO heaven in this real world!” Yet we forget what Steven is really talking about: “When you know in your heart that you’ve found the missing part.” –
That is Jesus Christ! And for the multitudes that have gone from lost to found they know that they’ve found Heaven in the real world when they suddenly realize that they are loved (if only by God) and the booze turns to milk for their children and the abuse turns to respect for their spouses. That transition definitely feels like heaven for those experiencing it. But what happens then? Why do we usually lose that unabashed JOY?
I think we forget that God is a God of growth. We want simple answers and an easy-button. Our God definitely does NOT function with easy-buttons! In Steven’s song he has Billy Graham preaching the answer: “the hope is in the power of God working in the hearts of people!” That’s God’s plan, and after the joy of discovery fades, we are left with the challenge of growing. That always hurts. But I am rejoicing to realize that in the lives of the people around me who love God, I see growth – and lots of it!
There is hope – God is working in our hearts! Maybe not the easy-way we wished, but He is doing a great work that will result in blessings for those around us now, and an eternal blessing we cannot now guess at. That is reason for a lot of Hope! Beyond economics, Past our failures, In our hurts, Through our unknown future. We have HOPE! Buckle down child-of-God, and know that heaven is in your heart and it’s growing with you – even through the pain. Hold onto that hope and choose Joy. Read chapter 9 for more inspiration to choose Joy!
Tags: Hope, real world, Steven Curtis Chapman