Our hope in Christ for the future is the source of our joy now. Thinking often of heaven lifts our hearts, for everything we could desire is promised there. Here, we're weary and worn, but there lies the land of rest, where labor's sweat won't touch a worker's brow, and fatigue is gone forever. For the weary, the word "rest" speaks of heaven.

We face constant battles, both within and without, leaving us with little peace. But in heaven, victory reigns. The banner waves in triumph, the sword is sheathed, and we will hear our Captain say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We've known loss after loss, but we're heading to a place where graves are unknown. Here, sin grieves us, but there we'll be perfectly holy. Nothing defiles that kingdom.

Isn't it joyful that our exile isn't forever, that we won't stay in this wilderness but will inherit Canaan? Yet, we must not dream only of the future and forget the present. Let the hope of what's to come sanctify our present lives. Through the Spirit, the hope of heaven inspires virtue, fuels joyful effort, and forms the cornerstone of cheerful holiness. Those with this hope work with vigor, finding strength in the joy of the Lord. They battle temptation fiercely, with eyes on the reward of the world to come.