The Knowing God Series: Cherish– Experiencing Heaven in God’s Presence

Walk down imagination lane with me for a moment.

Picture this: the world’s first trillionaire — let’s call him Jeff Musk — meets you at an event. You strike up a conversation, and soon realize your personalities just click. You enjoy each other’s company, and before long, you become best friends.

Jeff knows everything about you — your hopes, fears, quirks, and dreams — and he loves spending time with you. Because of your close bond, he gives you a high-paying job and moves you into that beautiful neighborhood you’ve always admired.

Even though the relationship seems one-sided in its benefits, Jeff is genuinely satisfied. He values your friendship, trusts you deeply, and knows you’ve always got his back.

In short, the most powerful man in the world has chosen you to be his friend.

The Invitation to Something Greater

Now, even though your friendship with Jeff is flourishing, you’ve never actually been to his home. Jeff notices this and begins preparing a place for you in his grand mansion. He wants it perfect — your section of the home will take a year to complete because he honors you that much.

Here’s my question:

Which part of Jeff would you cherish more — your friendship with him now, or the luxurious residence he’s preparing for you later?

The Point of the Story

Do you see where I’m going with this?

Jeff Musk represents our great God, and that beautiful mansion symbolizes heaven.

And of course — you’re you.

I’ve met many believers whose Christian journey revolves around “making heaven.” Everything they do — praying, fasting, serving — is done so they can one day get there. Their mindset almost feels like an escape plan: a desire to leave behind earth’s pain and step into heaven’s peace.

Now, don’t get me wrong — heaven is glorious, and I long for it too. But sometimes, I think we forget what actually makes heaven so wonderful.

Heaven is heaven because God is there.

Heaven’s Beauty Is God’s Presence

Heaven isn’t just beautiful because of golden streets or crystal rivers. It’s beautiful because the presence of God fills it completely. It’s the place where goodness overflows and evil cannot exist.

No sickness.

No pain.

No separation.

Only the fullness of God’s glory and love.

I understand why so many Christians eagerly await heaven — especially when this world feels heavy. But here’s the truth that shifts everything:

The God of heaven is also the God of your heart.

The same God who sits above the circle of the earth now lives within you through His Holy Spirit. Which means, in Christ, you already have access to heaven right now.

Cherish Both — Heaven Later and His Presence Now

So, to answer that first question: Which would I cherish — my relationship with God now, or the eternal home He’s preparing for me?

Both.

I want to savor the depth of His presence now, while joyfully looking forward to dwelling with Him forever.

Don’t keep your eyes so fixed on future heaven that you miss the present heaven available through intimacy with Him today.

Every moment is an invitation — an opportunity to spend time with God, know His heart, understand His Word, and live in step with His Spirit.

Jesus didn’t die simply to get us into heaven. He died to bring heaven into us.

What Eternal Life Really Means

Two Scriptures capture this truth beautifully:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” John 17:3

I love when Scripture defines itself. Jesus says eternal life is not just living forever — it’s knowing God.

That word know speaks of intimacy, depth, and ongoing relationship — not distant awareness.

Jesus died so you could have a deep, living, daily relationship with God.

Heaven is simply the continuation — the culmination — of that relationship.

A Loving Invitation

So let me turn the question back to you: Do you cherish your relationship with God now, or are you waiting for heaven to start enjoying Him?

The same God who crafted galaxies and reigns in eternity has chosen to dwell with you and within you.

He’s not waiting for heaven to be close to you. He’s waiting for your heart to turn toward Him — right here, right now.

Don’t wait.

And don’t keep Him waiting.

He is God, after all.

Reflection Question:

What would change in your walk with God if you truly cherished His presence here and now as much as you long for heaven later?

I love you,

Oyin.