My soul longs for a "home"

Friday January 7, 2022

My soul longs for a "home"

Searching the Scriptures

It was in faith that all of these people died without receiving what was promised to them. But they saw and greeted him from afar, and they recognized that they themselves were strangers and travelers on the earth. [...] In fact, it is a better homeland they desire, which is the heavenly homeland. So God is not ashamed to be called "their God", and he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11.13-16

Following the start of the Covid-19 epidemic in France, I fled - like many others - the Paris region where I was studying, to find the calm and warmth of my family in the provinces. It was the start of a travel season, which lasted almost eight months. I would wake up in a different place every day, going from one friend's couch to another's inflatable mattress.

A priori, nothing necessarily disturbing. What an opportunity even, during this health crisis, to be able to travel, see my loved ones again, rediscover the world that stretched out behind my windows ! Only, there came a moment when my soul yearned for a "home" : this place that looks like me, where I can be myself and where it is easier to find my things.

This nomadic experience led me to have this funny feeling : that of not belonging to any place, of not knowing where I belong. But at the same time it helped me to understand a little better the tension of all these refugees fleeing wars, misery and natural disasters.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that, whatever we may have an earthly nationality or a home here below, our ultimate "home" is actually with God, in the "heavenly city" which He is preparing for. those who place their faith in him. Jesus was well aware of this when he said : "Foxes have dens and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (Matthew 8.20)

Only, despite being a passing traveler, he used his earthly existence in a remarkable way. His "kingdom" was not of this world as he recalled it, but this world, he "loved it so much" to the point of incarnating there and going to meet the sick, the needy, fishermen. It is this example that we can follow, this good news that we can share, this love that we can share. Our days here are numbered, so let's use them for things that are eternally worthwhile !

Listen the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God means. Ask God to transform your gaze so that you can see life from the perspective of eternity.

Praying is simple. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, I thank you because my" home "is not here below but near you. While waiting to return home one day, teach me to make a difference and to to be truly the salt and the light of the world."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. Today, what are your subjects of recognition ? Take a moment to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day comes to an end. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Lord, thank you for sending your son that we may have eternal life with you ; yours be the reign, and the power, and the glory, amen !"

Joseph Gotte

Source (The Thought of the Day)