Millpond Ink Musing – It Is And Will Be

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Rev. 21:3

I’m sure I’m not alone in this, but there are admittedly times that I think about eternity, and what heaven will be like, and I cringe. Of course, I do so in the flesh, especially when I find myself thinking I will hear nothing but the same hallelujah chorus sung forever and ever. It’s bad enough hearing on Sundays the same 7/11 choruses… you know, seven words in a verse and sung eleven times? I’m sorry, but that’s what some folks say about the music today. If not, they’re thinking it, especially some of us ‘older folk.’ Anyway, as I said, I’m probably not alone in any of this. However….

The Lord is quick to remind me of the times when I am overwhelmed standing in His presence. I trust these times are His especially when I’m alone… reading or meditating on God’s Word. I am not so trusting in a church environment when folks can easily get emotionally caught up by the worship team (and this is true whether 7/11 are sung or not) and the night before we might have observed the same people raising their hands and swaying at a rock concert. That seems to be especially true here in Colorado where the incense in the air is now legal. Now, now.. I’m not saying that God doesn’t bring glory to Himself and blessing to Himself through music, but it’s easy to misinterpret our feelings and whether it is the Holy Spirit that so inflames our passions. One true sign we could look for if that is the case is what we observe immediately following the worship team’s exit into the wings. Upon the preacher’s entrance, do we see smiles go inverted, hands and eyes drop? Are we as actively and spiritually involved with the preaching; as well as, spiritually attendant during time of corporate prayer? I think you get my point. Nonetheless….

It is during my time alone when the grace of God encompasses me… filling my heart with joy indescribable… I feel as if my eyes are dancing before the Lord, eager to see Him face to face… His Spirit flooding my soul with peace and love that surpasses human understanding. I find my spirit exercised as well in listening to the Sunday sermon, and joining in with prayer. It is at those times that I want to forever hold on to God and that feeling; that expression of His goodness and mercy. O, if only heaven was eternally like that moment! And that’s when God says, ‘It is and will be.’