“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
(Hebrews 11:10)
In his unending search for happiness, the unbeliever is continually chasing after worldly gain and temporary pleasures, often devoting himself entirely to these pursuits. He pours his energy into accumulating wealth, power, and status because his happiness is defined by those things he can see, touch, and possess. And yet such happiness is temporary at best, easily lost, and ultimately unsatisfying. No matter how much he acquires, it adds nothing to his soul. In truth, as Mark 8:36 states, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
In contrast, true happiness for the Christian is not found in the temporary pleasures of this world but in the eternal promises of God. For the believer knows that transient success pales in comparison to the eternal joy found in God’s kingdom. Unlike temporary gain, the believer’s happiness never ends for it is rooted in the promises of an everlasting God. As Paul declares in Philippians 3:8, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”
“Here you have a full proof of the point; the Holy Spirit calling believers sojourners, pilgrims, strangers, what is it but to convince them, that there is no abiding for them in this world? this world is not their Country, their City, their home, their habitation; here they are not to place their hopes, to set their affections, to seek a lasting happiness; but heaven is their City, their Country, their home, their habitation: there all our hopes should be placed, thither should all our desires aspire, there we are to seek everlasting happiness, there we shall be sure to find it, and to abide in the possession of it to eternity.”[1]
This shift in focus doesn’t happen naturally, though. It requires a level of faith that sees beyond the present and looks forward to that city whose builder and maker is God, as described in Hebrews 11:10. The foundations of this heavenly city, the ultimate destination of the faithful, is like its Maker—unshakeable and eternal. And in contrast to the perishable nature of earthly riches and achievements, the city of God offers far greater everlasting rewards for its inhabitants.
For these reasons, the Christian need not be consumed by the same fears that plague the ungodly who live in constant anxiety over the loss of their worldly possessions. Because the believer knows their treasure lies elsewhere, they do not love the world as their highest good, nor do they fear its loss as their greatest evil.
Indeed, their security rests in the unchanging promises of God, who has pledged never to fail or forsake those who seek Him. “Surely they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalm 9:10). This assurance is the bedrock of the Christian’s faith. It is the confidence that God’s provision is sufficient, that His promises are true, and that His presence is constant.
So as we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can rest in the knowledge, joy, and confident expectation that our faithful God will fulfill every last one of His promises.
Contemplations:
- Temporary Versus Eternal. Those things that people typically strive for—wealth, status, power—are all temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. In contrast, the happiness that comes from God is eternal. Hebrews 11:10 reminds me that I am looking for a city with sure foundations, one built by God Himself. This causes me to shift my focus away from the temporary to set my heart on the eternal promises of God. My pursuit should not be for what the world offers, but for the enduring joy found in God’s kingdom.
- Provision for the Journey. God’s promise to take care of His people is a source of great comfort. Just as He provided manna for the Israelites and food for Elijah, I can trust that He will provide for me as I walk in obedience with Him. As I “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” He promises to add to me what I need. This frees me from anxiety that comes from relying on my own efforts and helps me rest in His sufficiency.
- Freedom from Fear. The world often operates out of fear—fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. But as a believer, I am called to a different kind of life. I do not need to fear the loss of worldly possessions because my true treasure is in heaven. My security is not based on what I can accumulate, but on the unshakable promises of God. This truth allows me to live with a sense of peace, knowing that God will never fail or forsake me. My trust is in Him, not in the uncertain riches of this world.
- The Joy of Anticipation. As I look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises, I find a deep sense of joy. The anticipation of the eternal city that God is preparing for me fills me with hope and expectation because this assurance is rooted in the faithfulness of God. As I live each day, I do so with the knowledge that my ultimate destination is secure. This joy sustains me through the challenges of life and reminds me that my current struggles are only temporary and that a glorious future awaits.
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord, You are the God of eternal glory, whose city offers joy everlasting. I worship You for Your unshakable promises, surpassing all worldly gain. Your faithfulness anchors my soul, as Psalm 9:10 proclaims: “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
I adore You for Your Son, whose knowledge surpasses all (Phil. 3:8). And Your provision, as Matthew 6:33 promises, meets every need when I seek Your kingdom. I praise You for the hope of heaven which sustains me through trials. For I know that Your eternal city, unlike this passing world (Heb. 13:14), is my true home, built by Your hand.
You are my King, my Hope, my Joy, and I bow in awe of Your unchanging love. And I worship You for the city You’ve prepared for me, as John 14:2 declares: “In my Father’s house are many mansions.”
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Hebrews 11:10:
Heb. 13:14; Rev. 21:10; John 14:2; Col. 1:5
[1] William Gearing, God’s Sovereignty Displayed, (London: R.I. for Thomas Parkhurst .., 1667), 190–191.
