Question from a reader:

I struggle with the concept that so much of what I’d hoped for won’t happen right away after I die. I have read what you’ve written on the present Heaven, but I have this lingering suspicion that the present Heaven will be disappointing because my tears won’t yet be wiped away and the New Earth with the eternal King’s reign will still be “not yet.” Any words of encouragement for me?

Answer from Heidi McLaughlin, EPM staff:

Randy has written more extensively about the present Heaven on his blog. I hope you’ll read the whole thing but here is a quote that I think will encourage you now: “Our loved ones now in Heaven live in a place where joy is the air they breathe, and nothing they see on earth can diminish their joy. Their joy doesn’t depend on ignorance, but perspective, drawn from the Christ in whose presence they live.”

If, as Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “today you will be with me in paradise,” I really can’t imagine we will be disappointed by the present Heaven! To be in God’s direct presence will mean great joy (Psalm 16:11). I imagine we’ll all think that would have been good enough, but when we enter the New Earth as resurrected people, we will be amazed yet again at how much more our God can do!