Home

“Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!” (Psalm 90:1 NLT)

The words home and house are often used interchangeably; however, they are not the same. A house is a structure, whereas home is a place of belonging and security.  These days, when we speak about houses, we think of buildings with a certain number of rooms, square footage, specific decor, appliances, etc. Houses are often showcases for displaying and storing stuff. For some, it is a place they return to after work, while for others, it doubles as both workplace and sleeping quarters. Some of us live alone, while others live with families. Some of us feel loved, respected, accepted, and safe with our families; others don’t. 

Ancient Israelites were nomads who lived in tents. As such, their idea of home was clearly different than a house.  For tent dwellers, home was neither a permanent location nor a structure. It was a place of refuge and shelter from the elements. The transient nature of their dwelling places reminded them to depend on a Higher power for security and stability.  

“He who takes refuge in the shelter of the Most High will be safe in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 VOICE)

Lord, You are my home, my secret place of security and belonging. You are my habitation, my place of consolation. I am enshrouded by Your Spirit. I shall take refuge in the shelter of the Most High and be safe in the shadow of the Almighty. 

Home

“Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!” (Psalm 90:1 NLT)

In many Persian Gulf countries, the majority of the population is comprised of migrant workers. They are given work visas for only a few years.  They are not allowed to have the rights or status of a citizen, no matter how long they live in these countries. Thus, most migrant workers do not invest much in the Gulf countries. They build houses and deposit their money in bank accounts back in their home countries. They know that where they work is not their permanent home; they realize that they will eventually have to return to their countries of origin. In contrast, most other developed countries allow legal immigrants to eventually apply for citizenship, own property, etc. This encourages immigrants to invest in homes and businesses in their new country. In time, they become more and more assimilated and start thinking of this new place as home.

“This world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)

We are sojourners, foreigners, and migrant workers in this world--not permanent residents. We become so assimilated that we don’t even remember that our home is with God and not on this earth.  Putting everything we have into this world is foolish. We must think ahead and look forward to what is yet to come. Invest in our home, which is with God.