“While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:3–4 (NLT)

As I approach my mid-50s, I’ve begun to reflect more deeply on the paradoxes between my physical and spiritual life. Many who are in their 50s and beyond, like myself, can relate to Paul’s words in verse 2—“we grow weary in our present bodies.” This weariness is natural. It serves as a gentle reminder that our bodies and our time on earth are temporary.

When we feel this weariness, it often stirs within us a longing—not just for rest, but for renewal. We yearn for something better, something eternal. And while we know that the best is yet to come, perhaps sooner than we think, the real question is: do we truly long—do we groan and sigh—for our heavenly bodies?

Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, may your spirit daily long and groan to be swallowed up by the life of Christ—to be filled and transformed by His presence. This is the heart of God for you: to live in purpose, peace, and passion for Him.

As we step into this new year, I challenge each of us to be intentional in our pursuit of all that is holy and pleasing to the Lord—living lives that bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ, who is truly worth living and dying for.

By: Professor De’ar Jeffers