There are many passages in the Psalms that demonstrate a life that is God centered. I quoted one verse a few days ago.
As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. Psalm 17:15
Here is what I wonder. How many Christians would be attracted to life after death if "all that is offered" is the presence of God? Think of it. What is it that many Christians anticipate about life after death? I might say "seeing my father and mother and other believing loved ones who died years ago." Someone else might say "relief from the severe pain I've lived with for the past decade." Others might mention: "relief from persecution or a limiting disability." And some whose lives are comfortable want more of the same: "I hope there are animals, or golf, or fishing, or ---." Now none of these are bad and some are rightfully part of a believer's future perspective.
Yet how many of us enjoy God enough now, so that what we long for more than anything else; what we anticipate more than anything else, is "simply" being in the presence of God. To be able to see Him as He really is; to worship Him with no limitations of wandering minds and sinful hearts; to be able to praise Him without being interrupted by the constant requests we bring to Him. Just to enjoy God. To be "satisfied with seeing your likeness".
Our goal now should be to love God more and more. If our love for Him is increasing, than the sheer joy of seeing God, of being with the One whom we love more than anyone and anything else - that and nothing else is more than enough to make the other side of death extremely attractive.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11
Another occurs at the end of the next psalm:and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11
As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. Psalm 17:15
Here is what I wonder. How many Christians would be attracted to life after death if "all that is offered" is the presence of God? Think of it. What is it that many Christians anticipate about life after death? I might say "seeing my father and mother and other believing loved ones who died years ago." Someone else might say "relief from the severe pain I've lived with for the past decade." Others might mention: "relief from persecution or a limiting disability." And some whose lives are comfortable want more of the same: "I hope there are animals, or golf, or fishing, or ---." Now none of these are bad and some are rightfully part of a believer's future perspective.
Yet how many of us enjoy God enough now, so that what we long for more than anything else; what we anticipate more than anything else, is "simply" being in the presence of God. To be able to see Him as He really is; to worship Him with no limitations of wandering minds and sinful hearts; to be able to praise Him without being interrupted by the constant requests we bring to Him. Just to enjoy God. To be "satisfied with seeing your likeness".
Our goal now should be to love God more and more. If our love for Him is increasing, than the sheer joy of seeing God, of being with the One whom we love more than anyone and anything else - that and nothing else is more than enough to make the other side of death extremely attractive.
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