Hallelujah! Thank God! And why? Because He’s good because His love lasts. But who on earth can do it—declaim God’s mighty acts, broadcast all His praises? You’re one happy man when you do what’s right, one happy woman when you form the habit of justice. Remember me, God, when You enjoy your people; include me when You save them; I want to see Your chosen succeed, celebrate with Your celebrating nation, and join the Hallelujahs of Your pride and joy. [Psalm 106:1-5, The Message Version]
Holy Spirit, Your word says: since I am raised with Christ, I need to desire those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. I will set my affections on things above, not on things on earth. For I am dead to my old life, and I am now hidden with Christ in God. I know that if I live until Christ returns I will appear with Him in glory and if I die before then I will be with Him in glory. [Colossians 3:1-4, MEV but my paraphrase]
Holy Spirit I long for the day I can go to my real home and enjoy the life You intended for us before the fall. I will live as You created me to live, fulfilling my purpose in life while I am here. My heart craves to be fully and continually in Your presence, and it makes me homesick at times. I do praise You that this world is not the end but just a practice for where I will live in eternity.
Therefore, let us not sleep as others do. But let us be alert and sober. Those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we should live together with Him. So comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you. Esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brothers, to warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Examine all things. Firmly hold onto what is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil. May the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-24