ETERNITY

"He has also set eternity in the hearts of men."  Eccl. 3:11

      I was blessed to hear Father Patrick Crowley speak at the Temecula, California chapter of Women's Aglow International.  His messages are always timely and God uses this humble man to bring hope and healing to many.

      One statement he made stands out in my mind.  In fact, it grabbed my attention because of my present circumstances.  He stated that we will never be satisfied because only God can fill that longing in our hearts.

      Immediately thought of Ecclesiastes 3:11  "He (God) has also set eternity in the hearts of men..."  I interpret this to mean the things in this life will never satisfy us because we were destined for fulfillment only when we are united with our Father in heaven for all eternity.

      So the longings of my heart must be in tune with God's plans for me.  Otherwise everything is out of kilter.

      Matthew 6:33 sums up what I should pursue:  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."  I must remind myself that the things of this world are not important if they hinder my walk with God.

      What I achieve throughout my life is of little consequence unless it draws people to Jesus Christ, the living God.  Isaiah 58:10 says we are to spend ourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed.  That is just part of our job as Christians.

      I pray: "Oh Lord Jesus, please help me keep my eyes on You.  Guide me in Your truths.  Strengthen me for I do grow weary.  And Lord, help me trust You moment by moment.  I'm thankful that You love me just the way I am.  Your word says peace and joy unspeakable await me.  I look forward to spending eternity where there are no more tears and no more suffering."

            The following poem I wrote reflects my heart's desire:

                                 LONGING

                                 O how my spirit longs to soar and climb
                                 Far beyond the realm of space and time
                                 To unite with my Maker wherein is rest
                                 To sing and rejoice with angels, I'd be truly blessed

                                 But until then, Oh Lord, let my light so shine
                                 That people will surely know that I am totally Thine
                                 Though trials and troubles might appear from anywhere
                                 Discouragement will not beset me, for I know Jesus cares.

                                 Thy word, Oh Lord, have I hid in my heart
                                 I strive to make Thy precepts a vital part
                                 Let my life reflect how I am longing to be
                                 Like my Savior Jesus for all the world to see.