Home is Where the Heart is: A Prayer for the Church

“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” (Ephesians 1:17-18 ESV)

Home is where the heart is, or so the saying goes.

Home is where we settle ourselves, relaxed and at ease. We lounge on the couch after a hard work day. We nourish our bodies with food from the refrigerator, and there too grab a cold, refreshing drink. Home is where we can let our guard down, take off our masks, be ourselves.

But, turning on the news or opening a social media app, our eyes are flooded with the chaos of current events—human trafficking, cold-blooded murders, rampant fear from a virus, regulations that feel choking. These issues unsettle us, arousing anxiety, despair, and downright anger.

Our couch now feels less cozy. Our food now tastes less satisfying. Rest now resembles a far-off reality.

Then echoes the still small voice, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…”

Today I ask the question, Are we storing up treasures here in this world, or in our hope of glory yet to come?

This world is not our home! Our hearts needn’t fear!

Across history the world has been shattered by the wrecking ball of sin. The escape from death is not guaranteed, except in our hope of glory. The One who will soon usher us, His Bride, home.

Home. Our heavenly dwelling, where fear and pain are cast out completely. Where mansions are being prepared with utmost care and infinite riches. Home, where we are fully known. Fully free. Fully loved.

Does your heart long for the day when we will finally be home? I know mine does!

His return is soon, Church! Don’t fall asleep, fearing He is still far off.

Can you imagine the wonder of that day? A trumpet blast of God. Looking up and seeing our Redeemer on the clouds, welcoming us home with open arms. The thought, the imagery, send shivers of excitement deep into my core. My heart is ready to finally be going home.

What if that day comes tomorrow? Or next week? It certainly could be any day now, though of course only God knows the exact day and hour.

Until that day comes, we live and breathe with assurance. With purpose and peace that is not dependent on our circumstances. We fight the good fight of faith and point to the victory found in Jesus. All these things will pass away, yet Faith, Hope, and Love remain. The greatest? God’s love, through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection on the Cross, that we may live!

Home at last, it’s not that far off.

Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!