Perspective

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

How many times do you think about heaven? When in pain, what goes into your mind? Why do some give up on the hope of salvation? All these answers find their place in thinking deeply about heaven. 

A firm grasp of heaven's joys makes everything else shrink in comparison. Paul himself went through so much pain because of the gospel but he didn't hang up his boots. He remained steadfast by focusing on something far greater than his present circumstances.

I don't think Paul had sad moments or pity parties when his gaze was on heaven. Why then do some Christians of today have depression, stress, worries, partly because they are losing the bigger picture. If you really considered that in eternity, it won't matter whether you had a car, a wife, a husband, a child etc, you wouldn't be depressed or beaten down by theirs being around or not. You will have a who cares attitude. Some Christians have postponed their joy to that day when they get a new this, or a new that or go to this or that place. That's setting our bar lower. It's good to have hope that some day circumstances will change but don't wait. You can live in Joy at all times because of the joy of the Spirit in you and looking ahead to the perfections of heaven. 

Christians should be the happiest people on earth if they are more minded about Christ in them and heaven more than anything else.