In Ecclesiastes 3:11 we learn that God “has also set eternity in the human heart…”
What does it even mean that God has put eternity into all of our hearts?
The Hebrew word for eternity (‘olam) isn’t just about duration of time, although it certainly includes that. It also speaks to the wider scope of God’s activity—which, obviously, is a lot.
In other words, God has put an awareness of himself—and of eternal things—within us. On a deep, deep level, we know God is real, and we know that there is more to life than what we see with our eyes.
C.S. Lewis stated this famously: “Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger; well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim; well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire; well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”*
It’s that last part of Lewis’ statement that is quoted the most, so let me emphasize it again: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
Do you have a deep, inner longing for something more? Do you sense that the physical world is not all there is? Do you wonder if you’re a part of a bigger battle?—a cosmic struggle between light and darkness?
Your deep desires and longings were put there by God, pointing you back to himself, and encouraging you to take up your place in his kingdom as the hands and feet of Christ.
Yes, we are physical creatures, but we are also eternal beings.
The world will try to beat you down. It will tell you you’re wasting your time and that God is a fable. It will tell you that Jesus is a myth and prayer is pointless. It will tell you that everything is relative and that nothing you do lasts beyond death.
Lies. Lies. Lies.
God has put eternity within your heart. You know he has.
Trust him. He’s been with you all along. Stand tall. Truth matters. Love transforms. Hope wins. And you are a soldier in the kingdom come.
Notes:
-*C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: MacMillan, 1960), 120.
-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on October 12, 2026.
-Bible quotes, NIV.
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