“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Stephen always talked about his different perspective when people died. Whenever he spoke at funerals, he would talk about how they “reached their ultimate destination, to go and be with the Lord.” He would grieve but he wouldn’t despair. So as I’m sitting with the Lord this morning and missing my honey like crazy, I turned to the Word to seek balm for my heart. I’ve been meditating in Hebrews 11th chapter because I love reading the accounts in the Hall of Faith. Each time the Holy Spirit focuses my attention to some truth that ministers to me deeply. This morning, this passage started me thinking about Stephen’s view of death. As I read this about Abraham, the Holy Spirit was like “you could easily put Stephen’s name right there because this applies to him.”

“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” 

My mind went back to a childhood memory growing up in a black church. When people really feel the Lord we express it and we call it “getting happy.” There was an elderly gentleman who used to get “happy” regularly on Sunday mornings. He was pretty much a quiet calm unassuming kind man who dearly loved the Lord. We were very young mind you, but he left an impression on us. You could tell he felt the anointing because he’d rub his head and ears and stand up and declare “I’m looking forward to a building, not made by hands but eternal in the heavens.” Every child in our church could quote that phrase because that was his declaration when he got “happy” in church and he left an impression. Now as a mature believer,  I get what Stephen and Mr. Fred were talking about. And they were right to get happy about it! To be present with the Lord in a dwelling place He built for us on a strong foundation with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone! Yes grief makes me sad, there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. God’s words to my heart this morning, makes me “happy” and helps me look forward like Abraham, Stephen and Mr. Fred. My soul is getting to a “happy” place. Such a rich legacy we have in Jesus!

Sharing my morning musings…Grief is a hard place, there’s no sugar coating it. I’m thankful that we have something to look forward to. My hope is in Jesus! Get “happy” about it!