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Week Forty-Four
October 26, 2025
For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
— Romans 8:22 (NLT)
This current age’s imperfections are simply reminders of the coming perfection. This world is not our home. The house with its flaws, the spouse with their flaws, taxes, death and loss — these are but reminders to keep our hearts from settling too comfortably into this temporary dwelling; our struggles are his mercy to us. The ever-insightful Augustine, speaking of the “gifts” and “comforts of this sorrowful life”, writes that God in his mercy works it that we may not “desire such things as the highest good.” ¹ Instead we are to set our minds on the heavenly things.
This world is not our home; our home is in heaven.
As you struggle through the inevitable disappointments of life, it may help to refresh your memory by vocalizing the truth that this earth is not your home — you have a place in heaven.
When you,
… find that parking ticket proudly displayed on your windshield, given two minutes after the meter expired and three minutes before you returned to your car, say: “This world is not my home, heaven is my home.”
… feel the pain of rejection or disappointment from a trusted friend or family member, say: “This world is not my home, heaven is my home.”
… see your sin and feel great disappointment in yourself, say: “This world is not my home, heaven is my home.”
… hear the doctor’s diagnosis: it is cancer, say: “This world is not my home, heaven is my home.”
Groaning, frustration, suffering, and decay —these words describe the unwelcome visitors that seem to find their way into life’s joyful moments, littering would-be delights with sour bitters. But God is not silent (or surprised); he brings an answer to this perplexing and painful paradox. Sorrow may last for the night, but joy will come. Our pain signals the coming joyous birth, and that inevitable delivery. Then, in our new home, we will see the liberty, freedom, joy, and glory that his children are destined to experience. Perfect beauty awaits us.
Right now, we sail the tumultuous seas of this world searching for islands of solace, but what we truly long for will only be found on the soft white sandy shores of our heavenly home. The troubles and sorrows that spit, sprinkle, and sometimes pour on life’s joyous occasions are simply messengers carrying this announcement: This world is not your home, your home is in heaven.
Monday
October 27, 2025
Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness.
— Ecclesiastes 3:16 (ESV)
We live under the sun, toiling in the temporal, traveling through a fallen world. Yet at times, in spite of this truth, we expect heaven on earth. At times we even demand it. In part, that desire for beauty and perfection has been placed in our hearts by God — he has set eternity in our hearts. ² And while we strive to bring heaven to earth — and we should; “your kingdom come” — we will avoid discouragement by remembering that perfect justice will never be achieved this side of the River. Under the sun, people are imperfect. Under the sun, things break. Under the sun, we grow weary. But our home is not under the sun, our home in heaven.
What is the proper response to injustice? How does one reconcile imperfections in God’s people with the fact that they are indeed God’s people?
What is one of the most frustrating situations you face “under the sun”? Does the realization that we live in an imperfect world help you in your struggles under the sun? How?
Tuesday
October 28, 2025
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33 (NLT)
The Lord does not leave us to the dulling effects of foolish naivety, floating among the clouds in ignorant bliss. “You will have trouble!” he says to us. But in this, he is not leaving us under sorrow’s dominion — no, he promises joy; he gives peace. The heartaches and stings of this current life may try to overcome us, but they shall not. Why do I say this? Because our Lord was not overcome, even though he faced impossible odds, and you are identified with him. You will win because he won. You will rise because he rose. His victory dance is your victory dance. He celebrates with you in mind. This mighty warrior rejoices over you with singing. Take heart, friend.
Do you find comfort in the fact that Jesus knows and acknowledges that we will have troubles in this life? Why or why not? What can we learn from this?
How do honesty and hope mix together in today’s scripture? What would a conversation with your child look like if they were going through a very difficult time?
Wednesday
October 29, 2025
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
— John 14:1 (NLT)
People disappoint. That’s just what they do. That’s what we do — even the best of us. Have you ever been let down by a person who shouldn’t have let you down? A dad? A pastor? A wife? A child? What about the boss, the co-worker, or the financial advisor? The list is long for some of us. The truth is that trust in man is not a sure hope but hope in the fourth man ³ is a well-placed hope, one that brings a joyful guarantee. No one will ever meet all of our needs, save one; and you can leave all matters of justice and judgment in his capable hands. You may not see all affairs settled now, for this earth is not your home. But know this: your new home will hold no unanswered prayers or pleadings for justice.
Do you have a difficult time placing matters of justice in the Lord’s hands? How do we reconcile taking action against injustice and allowing God to mete out justice?
What is your first response when someone disappoints you or lets you down? How do Jesus’ words in today’s scripture focus your response to disappointment?
Thursday
October 30, 2025
So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NKJV)
How would you define death? Some would simply define it as the cessation of life. But maybe a better definition would be to say that death is corruption’s final act. No doubt, you’ve experienced it in small doses — when you noticed the new car had lost its new car smell, or the day the honeymoon was over, or maybe your first gray hair or your last jog. This is why people buy new cars and find new relationships; no one likes being reminded that all things eventually end — all things under the sun. But there is good news. Death’s signage, once raised high displaying its message, “All Things End With Me”, has been torn down and replaced with a cross bearing the message, “Hope Begins Here.” Death has been swallowed up in victory and life has begun its reign.
Where have you seen corruption and mortality playing a part in your life? How have you dealt with this?
What do you think mortality putting on immortality will look like? What will change when that happens?
Friday
October 31, 2025
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
— Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
When so much anxiety stirs my soul, as the complications and challenges of a fallen world invade my mind and my heart, there is a still, small voice calling out to me, inviting me, telling me that I can be still and know that he is God.
He is God in the storm — He walks upon the deep waters
He is God of the future — He has promised me a heavenly home
He is God over my regrets — He has forgiven all of my sins
He is the God of my salvation — He will keep me safe to the end
May he who spoke “peace, be still” to the waves, bring such stillness to your soul.
Do you think that “being still” is countercultural? If so, why do you suppose that is?
What does emotional stillness look like? What about spiritual stillness? Are you in need of either of these?