Are You Seeking the City That is to Come?
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

Memories flooded my mind as I drove through the streets of my childhood hometown. Where the old feed mill store once stood, an ice cream shop waved colorful flags advertising unique flavors.

My heart smiled as I passed my elementary school, now a renovated office building. It seemed like only yesterday I was jumping rope and playing four-square in this same place.

Houses dotted the land where I remembered meadows and trees. An ancient oak tree left only whispers, where now a traffic light marked the way.

Though we treasure innocent memories of childhood places, when we return, it’s not the same.

Time passes, and communities change. Further, I have found that the older I get, the faster time races ahead.

With creaking knees and throbbing backs, we keep walking this earth for as many tomorrows as the Lord provides. Carrying tender memories of days long past and fresh experiences of the present, we can only guess what tomorrow will hold.

Will we remain in our town or move to a new location? Will we stay in our current home, or find another that better suits our needs?

What will our community, nation, or world look like a year from now? Ten years from now?

With the ever-shifting sands of time, one thing undergirds our life as a firm foundation.

God and His Word remain unchanged.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV).

What a wonder to pause and consider; the Eternal God, who holds all time in His hands, has saved us by the blood of Christ, making us fit for His everlasting home in heaven.

The One whose Word echoes down through history also reverberates with visions of an unending future glory. A city shimmering with divine light. A river and a tree flowing with infinite life from His throne.

One day, our eyes will not dim. Our feet will not hurt. Our souls will not sting with sin or shame. Evil’s stain and death’s stench will touch us no more.

We will only know the dawn of a new day and the freshness of life in Christ’s celestial city.

For now, we rejoice in God’s redeeming power and His promise of that shining city up ahead.

Until we enter that rest, may we radiate heaven’s hope.

Have you noticed changes to a childhood place? What makes you long for heaven?

Hebrews 13:14 (ESV) - For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) - But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Comments

Rachel Kaplan From CT At 10/26/2025 9:33:38 PM

I feel that my life already resembles heaven thanks to God. I love and am loved by so many, I'm blessed to have enough money, I have my dream job, and I'm discovering new ways to help others and connect with God every day. Reading your posts is heavenly!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Praise God! Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your faith and powerful testimony! Your love for Christ and your love for others is an inspiration to me and so many others. May God continue to bless you and use you in powerful ways to help others and point them to Jesus. Have a blessed week!

Stephen De La Vega From California, USA At 7/28/2025 3:52:31 PM

I find myself reminiscing more about the past and thinking about retirement (which is happening in about 5 months). Yes, many things have changed, especially the people I see. My immediate family is larger and I'm enjoying my first grandchild as well. Heaven will be more joyous with them present. :)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you for sharing how God has blessed you and your family through the years. It's really something to remember, heaven will be filled with blessings upon blessings.

Jessica Brodie From SC At 7/28/2025 10:41:16 AM

So good. I remember once I left a job for a new one. A year later, I returned to the old job but in a new position, expecting the same old feelings, friends, etc... it was entirely different, and I didn't like it at all. We cannot pine for the past—only for heaven.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you for sharing this personal example, Jessica. That's powerful. May our hearts always long for heaven.

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 7/27/2025 11:52:19 AM

So very beautiful Melissa and I can’t wait to see it in all its glory.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Amen Yvonne! What a beautiful future Jesus won for us!

Karen Friday From TN At 7/25/2025 8:54:59 PM

Melissa, this is so beautiful and powerful dear friend. Love it and it made my heart so joyful as I read it. And this: "The One whose Word echoes down through history also reverberates with visions of an unending future glory. A city shimmering with divine light." Amazing! God bless!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

God bless you, dear friend! Praise Jesus, no matter what difficulties we face in this world, we have hope that shines above it all! Thank you for stopping by and sharing an encouraging word, Karen. You are a blessing!

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 7/24/2025 4:51:35 PM

We await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ ... Amen!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Amen! May the hope of our promised future bring a sparkle to our eyes!

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 7/23/2025 3:37:05 PM

Yes, my childhood home and city look different today. I always thought my family lived in a big house. But, it was truly a small house. I'm thankful our home was filled with love and laughter. I'm thankful that God's message never changes. :-) Blessings.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I love your memories of your house being so big, Melissa. That is a precious child's heart. You're right, what a blessing to have a home filled with love and laughter. But most of all, no matter our childhood circumstances, God's love never changes and always fills our hearts. Blessings to you!

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Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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