Isaiah 65:18

Often Isaiah prophesied and described the first coming of Messiah (Isaiah 53) but he also included prophetic glimpses into the final state of things after the 2nd coming of Christ. For New Testament believers, this description of “new heavens and new earth” and the call to “rejoice forever” is a game changer. As we go through the trials and tribulations of our earthly lives in this fallen world, we are not without hope. We know, based upon the promise of God, that a new and joyous world is coming, that it is ours in Christ Jesus! And this promise gives us God’s strength and perspective to live in His joy now. The future shapes the present. Is this true in your daily walk with God?

PRAY: O Lord, life in this world is a battle. Aspects of this world are beautiful: family (sometimes), mountains, fellowship with good friends, serving your kingdom! But it’s also often very hard and even feels hopeless. Death, cancer, broken relationships, evil in the world! But Lord, you have revealed where all this is headed. New Heavens. New Earth. New Jerusalem. Eternal Joy. O Jesus, help me to learn to borrow some of that future joy for today, for my hard days! Amen.