Home – just the word can cause positive or negative feelings.

The dictionary defines home as:

  1. A place of residence
  2. The place in which one’s domestic affections are centered
  3. The native place or region of a thing
  4. Any place of refuge

We use phrases like:

  • Home sweet home.
  • Home is where the heart is.

Stuck at Home

Home – the place where we are all stuck right now. ; )

Long before the pandemic, I wrote a post called Finding Joy Coming Home. It was inspired by a book I was reading along with a sermon from guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Amy Bertschausen, Executive Director at Care and Counseling, a local faith-based counseling center. She shared how her depression can make her feel like she is in exile, when she doesn’t feel at home with herself. Her words truly touched me, and I hope they will touch you too.

So, here we are. Most of us stuck at home. Some maybe stuck at home alone.

What the Bible Says about Being at Home with God

But Jesus reminds us that we are not alone. The entire chapter of John 14 is one of great comfort. It starts with Jesus saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2 (We will have a new home someday.)

Jesus gives us an Advocate, Comforter, Helper, in the Holy Spirit. “You know him because he abides in you, and he will be in you.” John 14:15 (These verses assure us that we have that place of refuge.)

Jesus tells us that, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” John 14:23

Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23

And then, he says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

When We are at Home with God We are at Home with Peace

When we bring to our awareness that God makes his home in us, it’s an invitation to make room for those things we treasure most. Let’s call them the housewarming gifts of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

While you are at home during these uncertain times, know, with certainty, that God is home with you.

If anxiety and uncertainty is hijacking your peace, these guided meditations, Be Still, Let it Go, and Trust will help return peace to you and connect with God’s peace and presence in a deeper way.