Recently, I was at lunch with a close friend who tragically lost her husband this past winter. As we sat nestled in the corner of the little restaurant, she said, “I want to ask you a question,” to which I replied, “Sure, what do you want to ask me?” Then I began to pray for wisdom, not knowing what was to come.

She began sharing a myriad of questions with me related to heaven. Questions such as: Can her husband see her? Is he aware of how painful his death has been? Does he know how lonely she is? She had sought answers from others to these questions and received a variety of responses. Now she was wondering what I thought.

I began to recall scriptures and what I had learned about heaven over the years. First, God created it. Isaiah 66, tells us that heaven is His throne. I know God took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. David said that the heavens declare His glory. Luke tells us that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Paul says that as children of God, our citizenship is in heaven. He also tells us that our hope is laid up in heaven. John spoke of the rejoicing that would take place in heaven and of the new heaven to come, a new universe which will be the eternal dwelling place for the redeemed in Christ.

All of this, and more, was swirling around in my head. But how was I going to answer my friend’s questions?  She seemed so desperate, as if somehow the answers would bring her peace and healing. What could I say that would help her?

After seconds of thinking, the bottom line was that I don’t know! I don’t know if her husband can see her. I don’t know if he is aware of how painful his death has been for her. I don’t know if he knows how lonely she is.

But this I know for sure:

God sees her. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love…(Psalm 33:18 ESV).

God is aware of how painful her husband’s death has been. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers (1 Peter 3:12 ESV).

God knows the loneliness she is experiencing. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NIV). 

I know this to be true because for five years now, since Mark’s death, this is my testimony. These truths, and many more have comforted my heart and soul. When I envision Mark in heaven, I see him healed, bowed low in worship before the throne of the great I Am, in a spirit of continual praise before the One he loved so much. I don’t think he is concerned about me, feeling sorry for me, or wishing he was still here for me. He is too busy. One day I will join him.

One day there will be no more mourning, no more tears, sorrow, pain, or night! 

– Dianne

No More Night | Written by Walt Harrah/Sung by David Phelps

The timeless theme
Earth and heaven will pass away
It’s not a dream
God will make all things new that day
Gone is the curse
From which I stumbled and fell
Evil is banished to eternal hell
No more night, no more pain
No more tears, never crying again
And praises to the great “I AM”
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb
See all around
Now the nations bow down to sing
The only sound
Is the praises to Christ, our King
Slowly the names
From the book are read
I know the King
So there’s no need, no need to dread           
No more night, no more pain
No more tears, never crying again
And praises to the great “I AM”
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb
See over there, there’s a mansion
Oh, that’s prepared just for me
Where I will live with my Savior eternally
And there will be no more night, no more pain
No, no, no, no more tears, never, never crying again
And praises to the great “I AM”
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb
All praises to the great “I AM”
We’re gonna live in the light of the risen Lamb