There’s No Place Like Home

Louise Harris

In recent weeks I have been travelling and been away a lot. There have been some wonderful trips, ranging from relaxing weeks in the UK to slightly crazy trips abroad, and busy weekends in between.

I've enjoyed it all, but my feet have hardly touched the ground and deep inside I've been longing for a quiet few weeks at home. This is now coming imminently as August is looking comfortingly quiet, and I can feel myself relaxing at the thought of it.

It's caused me to think about the comfort of home, and the importance of coming back to base. Holidays can recharge us, but sometimes plugging back into home is exactly what we need. There's nothing quite like your own bed, however luxurious a hotel might be. Simple food and the familiarity of everyday routines can be a comfort too.

It's a bit like how we need to spiritually plug back in regularly to our heavenly father, particularly at busy and distracting times. He is our rock and our sustainer. I think of it like a small child going back to a loving father, climbing on his knee and placing her head on his chest.

Anyone who is familiar with toddlers, will understand how they do this frequently after having been racing around. It's almost like they need to check the security of their base before they can go off and be busy again.

We so need to do that often. Sometimes my mind is so busy with a thousand thoughts, trying to figure things out, keep numerous balls in the air, and make the right decisions on a multitude of subjects.

Whilst wrestling with something recently — turning it over and over in my mind, taking advice from very well qualified people, and thinking deeply about it all — it suddenly occurred to me that what I hadn't done was lay it all down before God, and say to Him “what do you want in all this?”

I can't believe I didn't do that first! And I could almost feel Him chuckle and say: “There you are, I've been waiting for you to ask me”. I immediately felt a sense of peace, not so much an instant answer but more an assurance that He would guide me along the way and I didn't need to worry.

Note to self: talk to the source of all wisdom first!

It is the Lord that gives wisdom, from Him come knowledge and understanding. He provides help and protection for those who are righteous and honest. He protects those who treat others fairly and guards those who are devoted to Him.
Proverbs 2:6-8 (GNT)

I really like the phrase in the Message translation: “He is a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well.”

The comfort, protection and security that we find in His presence is just like a safe and secure home.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

So let’s keep going home - There's no place quite like it.