A Place Called Home

A Place Called Home

Scripture Reading: 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.” (Ps. 84:1,2 NLT)

KSDK television 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 a 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. In the year (2011) the call went out on the air waves seeking individuals, businesses, and churches who would provide over three thousand “little wishes” for children who are 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 one feels safe and secure. Home, with familiar surroundings.

     As you read Psalm eighty-four, you can’t help but feel the writer’s 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.” (Ps. 84:2)

     Because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden a great wall of separation existed between God and his created beings. We see this continued in the erection of the tabernacle and the temple. The holy was separated from the holiest by a huge thick curtain. But when Jesus Christ died on the cross, the veil in the temple was rent from top to the bottom allowing access into the presence of God. Since that time God has taken up residence in the hearts of believers through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. (Col. 1:21-22; Col. 1:27)

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

Prayer: Dear Lord, how I love to spend my time in the house of the Lord. Wherever you are is where I want to be. I look forward to the day when we will be together.