The most important thing I’ve learned about faith—besides the power of trusting in the unseen—is understanding that my identity in Christ is not rooted to this earth. Living in this temporary world, sometimes we get caught up in the desires or choices of people around us. We start to believe that this is all there is, or that we must try to ‘keep up’ in order to be happy. The truth, though, is that we waste so much of our time trying to chase what isn’t permanent, rather than relishing in the beauty of a life promised to us after this one. Our purpose, our citizenship is in Heaven. Not on this earth.

What that means, simply, is that our lives here will not even match up to the beauty that’s promised to us next. Our sinful state, our clouded minds, our complicated days—those will be traded for bliss, for love, for perfection in Him and all around us.

Though it may feel exciting or even comfortable to run after different vices, people, or feelings on Earth, none of those fleeting moments compares to the everlasting love of our Father.

Our purpose is not to wander around here, searching for something to fill us. All that we need is already within us. Our days are not meant to be pushed through, looking for answers or feeling defeated before we begin. All that we crave to satisfy the longing has already been answered in Jesus’ name.

Our citizenship is in Heaven, not here.

Where we belong, who we belong to—that has nothing to do with the pain and turmoil of these earthly days. We belong to a God who loves us, a God who sees us, a God who listens. We belong to a God who knows what we so desperately and gives that to us. A God who knows our needs cannot be filled by a relationship with another equally-sinful soul, with six shots at the bar, with a late night text to a stranger or a pack of cigarettes.

Our lives are worth more than the nights spent alone, crying out for answers. Worth more than the hangover pounding in our head a night after drinking. Worth more than the loneliness of a breakup, or the emptiness of lying in bed next to someone who doesn’t feel the depth of love that we do.

Our lives are meant to be more than a never-ending search. Especially because in our Father’s love, He has already blessed us with all—and more—than we need.

Our identity is not on this earth. It is not found in people, not found in work, not found in sinful desires or temporary moments. We belong to Him; we belong to Heaven.

We belong to a place that shines with perfection—not because of who we are—but because of who loves us.

So please, if you understand one thing about God today, let it be this: You are His child, His most prized possession. He loves you, wants the best for you, and calls you to be a part of His kingdom—a place far more beautiful than anything you’ve seen—Heaven, where you belong.
 

Featured Image Credit: Erik Brolin