This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me: A Song of Hope and Inspiration
The song "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" is one of the most popular gospel songs of all time. It was written by Squire Parsons, a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter, and was first recorded by him in 1979. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including the Gaither Vocal Band, who recorded a memorable version of the song in 1991.
The lyrics of "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" are simple and straightforward, yet they pack a powerful emotional punch. The song describes the joys and wonders of Heaven, a place where there is no sorrow, no pain, and no darkness. The chorus of the song captures the essence of what Heaven means to the Christian believer:
"What will it be when we get over yonder
And join the throng upon the glassy sea?
To greet our loved ones and crown Christ forever,
Oh, this is just what Heaven means to me."
We will also look at some of the Bible verses that the song references and offer practical applications of the song's message to our daily lives.
The Meaning of "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me"
At its core, "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" is a song about hope and longing. It speaks to the deep-seated desire in the human heart for a better, brighter future, free from the struggles and pain of this life. The song acknowledges the difficulties and hardships of our earthly existence but reminds us that there is a place beyond this world where all our tears will be wiped away and all our sorrows will be forgotten.
The opening lines of the song describe Heaven as a place where "no twilight shadows deepen" and where there is "unending day where night shall never be." This imagery of perpetual light and brightness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as in Revelation 21:23, which says, "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp."
The second verse of the song speaks of meeting Jesus face to face and seeing Him crowned as Lord of all. This imagery is drawn from the Bible, where we read of the glorious moment when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). The song expresses the joy and awe that we will experience when we finally see Jesus in all His glory and recognize Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The third verse of the song speaks of Heaven as a place where there is no misunderstanding and no unkind words spoken. This is a powerful image, given the prevalence of conflict and strife in our world today. The song reminds us that in Heaven, we will be free from all enmity and strife and will experience perfect peace and harmony.
The Inspiration Behind "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me"
The inspiration behind "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" is not fully known. However, it is clear that the song was written from a place of deep faith and hope in God's promises. The lyrics of the song express a longing for a better world, free from the pain and suffering of this life, and a confident belief in the reality of Heaven as a place of eternal joy and peace.
The song has resonated with countless people over the years, providing comfort and solace in times of trial and reminding believers of the ultimate hope that we have in Christ.
Bible Verses Referenced in "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me"
The lyrics of "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" are filled with references to the Bible. Here are a few of the most prominent ones:
- Revelation 21:23 - "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp."
- Philippians 2:10-11 - "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
- Revelation 7:17 - "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Practical Applications of "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me"
The message of "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" has many practical applications for our daily lives as Christians. Here are a few of them:
- Hope in the midst of suffering - The song reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, there is a better future ahead of us. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:18, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
- A focus on eternal things - The song encourages us to look beyond the temporary things of this world and fix our eyes on the eternal promises of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
- A longing for more of Jesus - The song reminds us of our deep desire to know Jesus more fully and to see Him face to face. As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8, "I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
In conclusion, "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me" is a timeless classic that speaks to the heart of every Christian believer. Its message of hope, joy, and longing for a better future is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. May we all be inspired by its message and look forward with anticipation to the day when we join the throng upon the glassy sea and crown Christ forever.
