Thinking About Home

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV). One of the surprising things about moving back to Texas is the feeling that we have come home. This is the area we have spent the most time in, but it certainly is not “home.” Familiarity can be deceptive at times. And, even though much has changed in the area over the last decade, there are still those reminders of what once was. It feels familiar and comfortable. That deception can rob one of a great hope. David makes mention of this in our reading today. I love Isaac Watts’ paraphrase of Psalm 23: “My Shepherd will Supply my Need.” He says of the last verse: The sure provisions of my God Attend me all my days; O may Thy house be my abode, And all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, While others go and come; No more a stranger, nor a guest, But like a child at home. God’s presence is described as a safe sanctuary, a home where a beloved child rests in the secure knowledge of God’s love and care. Unlike a stranger or a guest, he can let his guard down and simply be himself. Home is where we know we belong. Whether your childhood home was a stable place where you felt safe and loved, or a place filled with fear or sadness, you probably recall yearning for a sense of belonging, of being wanted, of being loved unconditionally. You probably still want that. We carry remnants of our childhood yearnings, whether fulfilled or unfulfilled, throughout our lives. Whether they’re our wounds or our triumphs, we may spend a lifetime trying to heal or to make sense of them. God wants to be home for you wherever you go. God is the dwelling place where you are known, where you can discover wholeness in the midst of brokenness. May you know the deep love of the Lord who provides, protects, and consoles, and who always leaves the light on to welcome you back. The wonder of it all is that we have Him now and forever.