Houses

2 Corinthians 5:1-8 5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. At first glance of this passage one might be left scratching their head in wonder. Our "earthly tent" is our body of flesh and bone that is able to be destroyed. I know that if I die heaven will be my home and I will receive a new glorified body that cannot be destroyed. This part of the passage I understand. As I look at the rest of the passage as Paul is writing to the church in Corinth I hear his heart that longs to be with the Lord. What I keep asking myself is, "Is this true of me? Do I feel the same as Paul?" In this life we will have trouble the Bible tells us and so like Paul our earthly body does get sick, worn down, tired, sore, bruised, cut and hurt. But even in the midst of physical struggles am I looking forward to the day when I will be given a heavenly dwelling and so overcome with that in mind that the struggles of this life are "swallowed up by life"? I would like to think that verses 6 & 7 are true in my life and at times I believe they are, but often they are not. Why? Because its so easy to get focused on the trials, struggles and things of this life, that I lose sight of what is yet to come. I want to live by faith and not by sight. Father I need your strength, I need your gentle reminders of what is to come, I need you to remind me daily of your promises. So that while in this life I can rest in you and look forward to the day of being with you.