Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words | Strolling through the mall one day, I caught sight of a T-shirt with a catchy slogan that read, “The future is so bright, I need shades.”

I couldn’t help smiling. In fact, as I continued walking, my whole attitude lightened. I began to think about the fact that Jesus is my Savior, and heaven is my home. No matter how dark the present might be, the future is bright—very bright. One day, when this life with all its problems is over, I’ll spend eternity in heaven with the Lord. What could be more hopeful than that?

I’m sure that if we could get even a glimpse into heaven with our human eyes, we’d need very heavy-duty sunglasses because of the light. The last book of the Bible tells us, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light” (Revelation 22:5). We have a wonderful future to look forward to.

But I find I tend to focus on the present dark problem I’m dealing with right now instead of focusing on the bright future. I need to put on the sunglasses of faith and look forward with expectancy.

Jesus mastered that principle. The Bible tells us for the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured death by crucifixion (Hebrews 12:2). He bore the darkness of Calvary and its excruciating pain—and death itself because He knew the light that awaited Him in His Father’s presence. We can find strength to keep going the same way that Jesus did—endure the pain because of the joy that is ahead.

Is life dark around you? Turn to Jesus, the Light of the world, and commit your life totally to Him. Then look ahead, for the future is as bright as the promises of God. Maybe you will even want to get yourself one of those T-shirts that says, “The future is so bright, I need shades.”