2 Thessalonians 1:9 “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.” Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.’”
The true pain of hell lies not in the flames but in the loss of God's presence. Without God's presence, even if one possesses everything, it is empty; with God's presence, even without the splendors of this world, one is fulfilled. The glory of heaven lies not in its golden streets and jade castles, but in God's personal presence among us. May I learn today to make God my greatest joy, not to be distracted by the vanities of this life, but to always long for His presence.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to be with us. Lord, I confess that I am often drawn to the world's splendor and forget that you are the source of life. Help me to keep my heart fixed on you, not chasing after empty things but longing for your presence. Lord, may I experience daily the fullness of joy in you, and may my life be filled with hope because of my abiding with you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.