People have a tonne of misconceptions about heaven. One is that it’s going to be boring.

This sentiment is captured in a Far Side comic where some dude sits on a cloud, bored out of his skull, saying “wish I’d brought a magazine.”

But in Philippians 1:23, the apostle Paul says: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (ESV). The key word is BETTER. He still has important work to do in this world and in this life, but if he were to die and go to Christ he knows it would be BETTER.

Think of some of your best experiences in life… A wonderful family memory? Disney world? A tremendous achievement? Reuniting with a long-lost friend? Climbing Everest? Bringing a new life into the world? A meaningful mission trip?

Heaven is BETTER than every single one of those experiences! If you’re not hungry for heaven, you’ve been misinformed.

Steven Curtis Chapman is a well-known Christian singer. In May 2008 he and his wife, Mary Beth, were devastated when their 5-year old daughter, Maria, was killed in a car accident. Many people sent in words of comfort and support.

But one conversation stood out that really helped him. It was with pastor Greg Laurie who could relate to their experience because he had also lost a child in a car accident. Thinking ahead to heaven, and knowing how amazing it would be, here is what he said to Chapman: “Remember, your future with Maria is infinitely greater than your past with her.”

Hope is the wind that lifts your soul through the darkest days.

So, no matter what you’re going through, cling to Christ and have hope. The best is yet to come.

By Matthew Ruttan

—Today’s “Up!” is partly based on my Sunday podcast – Part 2 in the Heaven and Hell series: What is heaven like? Click here to listen in.
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—Bible quotes are from the New International Version.