This Is Not Heaven

Christmas is a glimpse of the light, love and happiness we will one day experience in heaven, but it's only a glimpse.  When we expect too much of this earth, it disappoints every time.  This devotional makes so much sense as to why so many are depressed this time of year.

If you need a wonderful devotional, this one by Max Lucado was a blessing to me the past few days.

Here are a few quotes to chew on until you have the time to study it for yourself....

Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth. 

We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are “like foreigners and strangers in this world” (1 Peter 2:11).

And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.

Thou hast made us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.³

....you were not made for this place and that there is a place made just for you.

But until then, be realistic. Lower your expectations of earth. This is not heaven, so don’t expect it to be. There will never be a newscast with no bad news. There will never be a church with no gossip or competition. There will never be a new car, new wife, or new baby who can give you the joy your heart craves. Only God can.

--Max Lucado, taken from "When God Whispers Your Name"