Longing for More? It is Because God Put Eternity in Your Heart

Deep inside us, there is a sense of something more in life that drives us on. No matter what experiences you’ve had, no matter how wonderful they were, they were just a glimpse of what is still ahead. You are really homesick for a place you have never been before, and that place is Heaven. You were wired this way.

The Bible reveals a profound truth about the human condition: "God has put eternity in our hearts" (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV). This means there is an innate sense within us that there is more to life than the fleeting moments we experience on earth. It’s a restless yearning, a quiet whisper that keeps us moving forward, searching for something greater. It’s akin to a homing instinct we observe in nature, like salmon battling upstream with relentless determination or swallows returning each year to San Juan Capistrano. We, too, have this instinct, but ours is for a destination we’ve never seen: Heaven. This homesickness for eternity shapes who we are and points us toward our ultimate hope.

The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV). No matter what happens here on earth, whether joy or sorrow, it pales in comparison to the glory awaiting us. This is the hope of every believer: a better world, a heavenly home, something infinitely greater than what we know now.

In this post, we’ll dive into two key scriptures, Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 and John 14:2, to explore how God has placed eternity in our hearts and how this longing finds its fulfillment in the promise of heaven. We’ll unpack key phrases from the original Hebrew and Greek, using the English Standard Version, and reflect on what this means for our lives today. My prayer is that you’ll walk away encouraged, with a renewed sense of purpose and hope in your eternal destiny.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-11: A Glimmer of Hope in the Master of Time

Let’s begin with Ecclesiastes 3:9-11, where King Solomon, often called "the Preacher," reflects on life’s deeper meaning:

“What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (ESV)

This passage appears in a book renowned for its candid portrayal of life’s struggles. Solomon wrestles with the apparent futility of human effort, yet here he uncovers a glimmer of hope, a divine gift that sets humanity apart.

Exegesis of Key Phrases

“What gain has the worker from his toil?”

The Hebrew word for "toil" is ‘amal, which conveys hard, wearisome labor, often with a sense of frustration or futility. Solomon asks a question that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt their efforts amount to little. Without a bigger picture, our work can feel like chasing shadows. This sets the stage for a deeper revelation about life’s purpose.

“I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.”

The word "business" (Hebrew: ‘inyan) suggests a task or occupation. Solomon acknowledges that God has assigned humanity work to do, whether it’s raising families, building communities, or pursuing vocations. This isn’t meaningless; it’s part of God’s design. But it’s not the whole story.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

The Hebrew yapheh for "beautiful" implies something fitting, lovely, or appropriate. This phrase echoes the poetic rhythm of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (“For everything there is a season…”), affirming that God sovereignly orchestrates life’s seasons. Every moment, whether joy or pain, has a purpose in His timing, even if we don’t see it fully now.

“Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart.”

Here’s the heart of the passage. The Hebrew word ‘olam translates to "eternity," meaning "forever," "ancient," or "everlasting." It’s a concept tied to God’s own nature, He is the Eternal One (Psalm 90:2). By placing ‘olam in our hearts, God has embedded within us an awareness of the infinite, a longing for something beyond the temporal. Commentator F.B. Meyer notes, “God made man in his own image; and nothing more surely attests to the greatness of our origin than those faculties of the soul which are capable of yearning for, conceiving, and enjoying the Infinite, the Immortal, and the Divine.” We bear His imprint, and this longing testifies to our divine origin.

“Yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

Despite this gift of eternity, there’s a limit. The Hebrew matsa’ ("find out") suggests discovering or grasping fully. We sense the eternal, but God’s full plan, from creation to consummation, remains beyond our comprehension. This mystery keeps us humble, fostering faith as we trust in His unseen work.

Reflections on Eternity in Our Hearts

What does it mean that God has put ‘olam in our hearts? It’s the ache you feel when a sunset takes your breath away, yet leaves you wanting more. It’s the dissatisfaction after achieving a goal, realizing it didn’t fill the void. It’s the hope that stirs when you lose someone dear, whispering that death isn’t the end. C.S. Lewis captured this in Mere Christianity: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” This longing isn’t a flaw; it’s a compass, pointing us to God.

I remember a season of my life when everything seemed perfect: a stable job, a loving family, good health. Yet, late at night, I’d lie awake with an unexplainable restlessness. No amount of success or comfort could quiet it. That’s ‘olam at work, a God-given instinct that this world isn’t enough. It’s a homesickness for Heaven, nudging us toward the One who placed it there.

Solomon’s insight also has a missional echo. Missionary Don Richardson, in his book Eternity in Their Hearts, observed that nearly every culture has traditions or beliefs that reflect biblical truths, such as a longing for a lost paradise or a savior figure. These “redemptive analogies” show that ‘olam isn’t just personal; it’s universal, woven into humanity’s fabric, preparing us for the Gospel.

John 14:2: The Promise of a Heavenly Home

Now, let’s turn to John 14:2, where Jesus comforts His disciples before His crucifixion:

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (ESV)

This promise comes amid a troubling moment, the Last Supper, with betrayal and death looming. Yet Jesus shifts their gaze to a future hope, fulfilling the longing Solomon described.

Exegesis of Key Phrases

“In my Father’s house”

The Greek oikia ("house") paints a picture of a family dwelling, not a cold institution. Heaven is the home of God the Father, a place of intimacy and belonging. Jesus invites us into His family, assuring us we’re not outsiders but children with a place at the table.

“Are many rooms”

The word "rooms" (Greek: monai) derives from meno, meaning “to stay” or “remain.” Often translated “mansions” in older versions (like the KJV), it’s better understood as “dwelling places”, secure, permanent abodes within God’s house. The plural monai emphasizes abundance: there’s room for all who trust in Christ. Imagine Jesus smiling as He says this, envisioning billions from every nation gathered in His Father’s home.

Scholar R.V.G. Tasker notes that monai carries a sense of permanence, contrasting with temporary “stations” some suggest. In John 14:23, the same root word describes God dwelling in believers’ hearts, hinting that heaven is an extension of His presence with us now.

“I go to prepare a place for you”

The verb "prepare" (Greek: hetoimazo) means to make ready, often with care and intention. Jesus’ “going”, through His death, resurrection, and ascension, isn’t an abandonment but a purposeful act of love. Like a bridegroom preparing a home for his bride, He’s crafting a place uniquely for us. This isn’t abstract; it’s personal, tailored to our eternal relationship with Him.

Reflections on Heaven’s Promise

John 14:2 answers the restlessness of Ecclesiastes. The eternity in our hearts finds its home in the Father’s house, where Jesus Himself ensures our welcome. This isn’t speculation, as philosopher Socrates mused before his death, wondering about immortality. Jesus knows heaven and declares it with certainty (contrast this with Plato’s account of Socrates’ uncertainty, as G.C. Morrison highlights).

I think of my mother, who loved scripture. In her final years, cancer stole her ability to read, but she’d hold her worn Bible. She would recall the words, her heart clinging to the promise of a place prepared for her. That image reminds me: heaven is not just a concept, it’s a reality Jesus is actively shaping.

This promise transforms our longing into assurance:

Personal: Your place is prepared by Jesus, who knows you by name.

Abundant: There’s no shortage, monai means room for all who come.

Relational: The heart of heaven is being with Jesus, as He promises in verse 3, “that where I am, you may be also.”

Living with Eternity in Mind

Understanding that God has placed eternity in our hearts and that Jesus is preparing a place for us should change how we live. Here are four ways this truth can shape our daily walk:

Finding Purpose in the Mundane

Solomon’s question, “What gain has the worker from his toil?”, finds an answer in eternity. Our earthly tasks aren’t the end; they’re part of a bigger story. Colossians 3:23-24 urges, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord… you will receive the inheritance as your reward” (ESV). Whether washing dishes or leading a company, we can labor for God’s glory, knowing it echoes into eternity.

Enduring Trials with Hope

Life’s hardships test us, but heaven’s promise sustains us. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 remind us that troubles are temporary, preparing us for eternal glory. When my friend lost her child, she clung to this hope, picturing a reunion in the Father’s house. That vision doesn’t erase pain, but it anchors us beyond it.

Cultivating a Heavenly Mindset

Jesus calls us to “lay up… treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20, ESV). This means investing in what lasts, loving others, sharing Christ, living as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). It’s choosing generosity over greed, forgiveness over bitterness, knowing our true home awaits.

Embracing the Mystery

We sense eternity but can’t grasp God’s full plan. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us” (ESV). This invites faith, trusting Him when answers elude us, resting in His sovereignty.

The Homesickness That Leads Us Home

God has put eternity in our hearts, a restless longing that no earthly joy can fully satisfy. It’s a gift, stirring us to seek Him, the Eternal One who crafted us in His image. And in John 14:2, Jesus assures us this longing has a destination: a place in His Father’s house, prepared with love.

As you read this, pause and listen to your heart. Do you feel that homesickness for heaven? Let it draw you to Jesus, the Way to your true home (John 14:6). Life’s trials and triumphs are fleeting, but His promise endures. One day, the restlessness will cease, and we’ll step into the place He’s prepared, where we’ll finally belong.

Augustine prayed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” May that restlessness lead you home.

When Struggles Become Blessings, Finding Purpose in Trials

Many people step into the Christian faith with a hopeful but mistaken belief: that once they accept Jesus, life will become a smooth, trouble-free journey. They envision a path free of obstacles, where blessings flow effortlessly. Yet, Jesus Himself shatters this illusion in John 16:33, declaring, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (ESV). Even the Son of God faced suffering, betrayal, rejection, and the cross. If our Savior endured such trials, why should we, His followers, expect anything less?

Struggles come in many forms. Some arise from the brokenness of our fallen world, disease, natural disasters, or loss. Others stem from our own choices: ignorance, sin, or missteps. But there’s another possibility, one harder to grasp in the heat of pain: sometimes, God Himself allows, or even sends, trials into our lives. This isn’t cruelty; it’s purpose. As Romans 8:28 assures us, “for those who love God all things work together for good” (ESV). The Lord never permits hardship without a beautiful design behind it, promising strength to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).

So, when we encounter struggles, we must shift our perspective. These difficulties aren’t meaningless; they can be for our benefit. They may purify us, grow us, test our faith, or reveal God’s sustaining power. We may not always see the “why” this side of heaven, but we can trust the One who does. What trials are you facing today? Jesus knows your pain and longs to be your anchor through every storm.

In this post, we’ll explore this truth through 1 Peter 1:3-9, a passage written to believers enduring persecution. Peter reminds them, and us, that struggles refine our faith and point us to an unshakable hope. We’ll unpack the text verse by verse, diving into key Greek words to uncover their depth, and apply these truths to our lives today.

Exegesis of 1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)

Peter wrote this letter to Christians scattered across Asia Minor, facing hostility for their faith. His words offer encouragement, grounding them in the hope of salvation and the purpose of their trials. Let’s examine this passage closely.

Verse 3: A Living Hope Through Mercy

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Peter begins with praise: “Blessed” (eulogētos in Greek) means “worthy of praise” or “to speak well of.” He’s exalting God for who He is and what He’s done. The phrase “according to his great mercy” (kata to polu autou eleos) underscores that our salvation isn’t earned, it flows from God’s compassionate kindness (eleos), His willingness to help the helpless.

The verb “has caused us to be born again” (anagennao) speaks of regeneration, a spiritual rebirth. This isn’t a mere fresh start; it’s a radical transformation, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 echoes: “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (ESV). This new life brings us “to a living hope” (eis elpida zōsan), a hope that’s alive (zōsan) because it’s rooted in the “resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Christ’s victory over death ensures our hope isn’t wishful thinking, it’s a certainty.

Verse 4: An Imperishable Inheritance

“to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”

This living hope points to an “inheritance” (klēronomia), a term recalling the Promised Land in the Old Testament. But unlike earthly land, this inheritance is eternal. Peter uses three adjectives to describe it:

“Imperishable” (aphthartos): incorruptible, immune to decay.

“Undefiled” (amiantos): pure, untainted by sin.

“Unfading” (amarantos): never losing its beauty or glory.

It’s “kept in heaven for you”, secure, beyond the reach of thieves or ruin (Matthew 6:20). This is no fragile promise; it’s guarded by God Himself.

Verse 5: Guarded by God’s Power

“who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

We, the heirs, are “being guarded” (phroureo), a military term implying protection by a sentinel. God’s power (dunamis) is our fortress, but this guarding operates “through faith” (pistis), our trust in Him activates His preservation. The goal? A “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time”, the full unveiling of our redemption when Christ returns.

Verse 6: Rejoicing Amid Trials

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.”

“In this you rejoice” (agalliasthe), an exuberant, overflowing gladness, refers to the hope, inheritance, and salvation just described. Yet, Peter acknowledges reality: “for a little while” (oligon arti), these believers are “grieved” (lypeō), meaning distressed or sorrowful, by “various trials” (poikilois peirasmois). Poikilos means “many-colored” or diverse, trials come in all shapes and sizes. The phrase “if necessary” (ei deon) hints at divine purpose: these struggles aren’t random; God deems them needed.

Verse 7: Faith Refined by Fire

“so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Here’s the purpose: trials test the “genuineness” (dokimion) of our “faith” (pistis), proving it authentic. This faith is “more precious than gold”, a stunning comparison, as gold was the pinnacle of value. Gold is “tested by fire” to remove impurities; likewise, trials refine our faith. Though gold perishes, faith endures, leading to “praise and glory and honor” at the “revelation of Jesus Christ” (apokalypsei Iesou Christou), His second coming.

Verse 8: Love and Joy Without Seeing

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

Peter’s readers hadn’t seen Jesus (“not seen,” ouk idontes), yet they “love” (agapate) Him, unconditional, sacrificial love, and “believe” (pisteuontes) in Him. This faith produces “joy inexpressible” (anecklaleto), a joy beyond words, and “filled with glory” (doxazomene), radiant with God’s presence. Their unseen Savior is real and worthy of devotion.

Verse 9: The Outcome of Faith

“obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

The journey ends with “obtaining”, actively receiving, the “outcome” (telos), or goal, of faith: “the salvation of your souls.” This isn’t just escape from hell; it’s the full restoration of our being, body and soul, in eternity.

Seeing Trials as Opportunities

Peter’s words aren’t abstract theology, they’re a lifeline for us today. Let’s apply them to our struggles.

Trials Have a Purpose

When life hurts, it’s tempting to ask, “Why me?” But 1 Peter 1:6-7 reframes the question: “Why not me?” Trials aren’t punishment; they’re a refining fire. Just as a jeweler purifies gold, God uses difficulties to burn away impurities, pride, self-reliance, doubt, leaving behind a faith that shines. I recall a season of unemployment years ago. Each rejection stung, but it drove me to depend on God like never before. Looking back, I see His hand shaping me.

Our Hope Is Secure

Verses 3-5 remind us our struggles are temporary; our inheritance is eternal. A friend once faced a cancer diagnosis. Amid chemo and fear, she clung to this truth: her real treasure was in heaven, untouchable by disease. That hope carried her through. Whatever you’re enduring, financial strain, broken relationships, grief, know it won’t last forever. Your salvation is “kept” by God’s power.

Faith Grows Through Testing

Verse 7 compares faith to gold. Untested faith is unproven. When my son was bullied at school, I wrestled with anger and helplessness. Yet praying through it strengthened my trust in God’s justice and care. Trials stretch us, revealing the depth of our belief. James 1:2-3 echoes this: “Count it all joy… when you meet trials… for the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (ESV).

Joy Transcends Circumstances

Verses 8-9 call us to love Jesus and rejoice, even unseen. This isn’t fake positivity, it’s supernatural joy rooted in who He is. During a dark time of depression, I found comfort in worship music. Singing truths about Christ lifted my spirit, even when tears fell. You can rejoice too, because your Savior is alive and with you.

Trusting the Unseen Savior

Struggles are real, but they’re not the end of the story. Peter’s message is clear: God uses trials to purify and grow us, preparing us for an imperishable inheritance. So, what’s your next step? If you’re in a storm, lean into Jesus. He understands your pain, He bore it on the cross. Love Him, though you haven’t seen Him. Believe in Him, though the way is unclear. Rejoice, knowing your faith’s outcome is the salvation of your soul.

Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your mercy that gives us living hope. Help us see our struggles through Your eyes, as tools to refine us. Guard us by Your power, and fill us with joy in Christ. Amen.