A Place Called Home

Read: Psalm 84:1-12

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.  I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.  With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. (Psalm 84:1. 2 NLT)

            KSDK TV in St. Louis sponsors a program called, “A Place Called Home.”  The purpose is to find homes for children who do not have a family or home to call their own.  There are literally thousands of children who are living in foster care, and have no permanent place to call home.  This year (2011) the call went out on the air waves seeking individuals, businesses, and churches who would provide over 3,000 “little wishes” for children who are in in foster care waiting to find “A Place Called Home.” 

            In other parts of our war torn world you will find a soldier sitting on an army cot or alongside a vehicle dreaming of home.  Home, where family and friends gather to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or holiday.  Home, with a comfortable chair or bed, and home cooked meals.  Home, where he feels safe and secure.  Home, with familiar surroundings. 

            As you read Psalm 84, you can’t help but feel the writers longing for home – to escape the hassles and cares of this world and enter into the presence of the Lord.  His desire is to worship God in his holy Temple.  Just as thousands of children cry out for “A Place Called Home,” and the lonely soldier yearns for home, the Psalmist had an urgent desire “to enter the courts of the Lord.” (84:2)

            The truth is, God has taken up residence in human hearts through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ.  No matter where we go as believers, God is always with us.  We don’t have to climb any mountains, or traverse jungle trails, or seek out exotic places because he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) 

            No wonder the Psalmist says, “I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.” (84:2)  That’s  where he would feel safe and secure.  It’s where his heart is.

            How about you?  Where do you feel safe and secure?  Do you consider your house of worship a safe place?  Is it the place where you can feel loved and wanted?  Whatever situation you find yourself in, rest assured that God has promised to not fail or abandon you.  He is sitting in your house (heart) right now longing to enjoy fellowship with you.  Are you happy in his presence? 

Thought for the Day: God is more than anxious to communicate his good pleasure with you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, how I thank and praise you for coming into my house.