Despair and Hope

I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.  John 10:10

Christ in you, the Hope of glory.  Colossians 1:27

Thoughts: Part of really hoping in heaven is not only being able to let go of the here and now, but recognizing the despair of the here and now.  Many recognize the pain, the brokenness, the hopelessness of the present.  Others pretend that there is no pain or evil here.  The answer to the hurt and problems of life is not ignoring it, and it is not death.  Death may end the temporary pain of this life, but the despair lives on in the eternal soul if there is no spiritual hope.  On the other hand, spiritual hope keeps us persevering and not giving up in this life.  God's will for each of us is appreciating each breath here and then to look for the better pain free life to come.  Gd gives us courage in the present adn hope for the future. 
    God is not just for the future, but that hope spills over into the present, making each day less stinging.  God leads us beside the still waters and green grass in the here and now, but also leads us through the valley of the shadow of death and into the place where we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Christ is the hope for now, and the hope of glory to come. 


Prayer: Lord, help me to find hope to get courage adn perseverance in the here and now; Give me hope for the day when there will be no more tears, or pain, or death.