I Can Only Imagine

I love music, I love to sing. I can carry a tune, but do not have a pretty voice. Don’t care, I sing anyway. It’s my way of praising God….my way to worship. There are those out there that aren’t moved by music the same way I am. These are not my people. But they are going to be eventually! Wanna know why? Because everyone who’s going to heaven with me will be singing God’s praises with me, whether they do it here or not! Or at least I THINK that’s what the Bible says….

“We will sing. Those who could never carry a tune on earth will be able to sing in heaven and never grow weary of exalting the name of the King of Kings.” (Revelation 15:3-5). Boom! 💥

Have you ever pictured heaven? I mean who hasn’t, right? I hear most often people say that it will be free of pain and suffering (Praise God). Many imagine it to be like the garden of Eden…but like a never ending garden. Beautiful, luscious foliage with peaceful streams running through and a perfect 75 degrees all day, none of this crazy Missouri weather. Still others imagine being among the angels in their shimmering gowns with wings outstretched and seeing God on his heavenly throne with us bowing in worship. I’ve read that others don’t believe they will SEE heaven but just feel pure love surrounding them.

Here’s what I picture. Never ending singing of praises. But not like you’re thinking. Not a chorus of angels singing Hallelujah. Sure, those Angels will be belting out their Hallelujahs, but take a few steps to your left and you can watch someone like Chris Tomlin and his never ending energy running around singing “Gods Great Dance Floor”. Back up a little bit and turn around! Now you have some good old fashioned Gaither praise going on in 4 part harmony. You stay and sing along for awhile but realize it’s time to move on…..you need something a little harder….louder. Down the road….the road paved with gold (or the yellow brick road in my head….yep, that’s how I see it, just like the Wizard of Oz)…the base is bumping and you follow it to hear some 7eventh Time Down slamming out “Only King Forever”. As you bounce your way through that one you can hear Sandy Patti switching octaves…again….and again…and yet again…and realize is doesn’t annoy you in heaven!

And then I turn around and run into my Uncle! My Uncle Jerry! Who sang his praises on earth loud and proud! And so unbelievably out of tune! And he didn’t care! Because he was praising his Savior how he loved to. It was a joyous noise to God’s ears.

Just a couple of years ago, I was driving to Kentucky en route to his funeral and I was belting out praise and worship songs in the car when ‘I Can Only Imagine’ came on. Of course I cried snotty tears through it the first time. The second time through I cried again in realization of the fact that Uncle Jerry didn’t have to imagine anymore. He was there! Third time, I realized he was praising on key…lol. Which made me laugh.

You can listen to it here. The song. Not Uncle Jerry singing.

https://youtu.be/N_lrrq_opng?si=qSNqW159Go55iysh

Everyone imagines heaven differently. But let me tell you what makes me so happy……

Everyone is praising! It is the most glorious sound beyond imagination.