The Promise of a Home
2005
Happy are those who live in your house [O Lord], ever singing your praise.
-Psalm 84:4 (NRSV)
MY parents divorced when I was a teenager. I was separated from my father, with my mother unhappy because I wouldn’t side with her against Dad. I wanted a home with both parents and loving relationships.
During this period someone invited me to church. The evangelist preached from John 14:1-4. He spoke about a place that was being prepared for those who believe in Christ. I saw in this promise the hope of a lasting home, acceptance, and loving relationships. I also saw guidance for how to reach that place and how to live my life.
Later I attended a friend’s church closer to where I lived. They sang, “This world is not my home.” The song reminded me of the sermon I had heard in the other church, and it strengthened my faith. Before I left, an elderly man told me, “The Lord will never leave you or forsake you, Honey.” (See Hebrews 13:5.) I didn’t know it then, but this was also a promise from Christ. I came to realize that his kindness was the beginning of many loving relationships given to me by the Lord.
Through the years, Christ has given me more reasons to hope in that prepared place — little deposits of the greater pledge. How remarkable my final home must be!
Wanda Hartley Butts (West Virginia, U.S.A.)
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the sure hope of a home with you. Amen.
Thought For The Day
God offers each of us a loving, secure home.
Prayer Focus
Those whose parents are divorcing
