by: Cody J. Haines

One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2 NASB)

 I awoke on my Birthday to find a nasty surprise. The finished basement of our new home was flooded with an inch and a half of water. I felt a bit flabbergasted, as I thought our home inspection was thorough before we purchased it.  I thought the road ahead was clear, even though I knew it would not be easy. We are newly married and purchased our first home straight away. Since that fateful Birthday morning, it’s been one struggle after another; and the list of things to do on the house continues to grow.

I have a confession: I like comfort… a lot. I like it when times are stable and peaceful, I have easy access to many of my favorite things, and the future is looking, shall we say, predictable. I had been comfortable for so long, I had forgotten all that God can do, and that moving forward is a risk. The past few months, there’s been a lot of new and uncomfortable things in my life. There hasn’t been as much time or freedom for me to focus on my comforts. I am quickly discovering that there truly are no “fail-safes.”
I have felt very exposed, as all my little safety nets and distractions fall away; and I am laid bare. For a while this home did not feel like a home, but a new and overwhelming burden. Yet in my new role as a husband and homeowner, God has been guiding me and helping me to accept my responsibilities, as He has guided me into them. In this time of fresh discoveries, stresses and even new and different joys, God has shown me again and again that my true home, which I can return to again and again, is Him.
When home hasn’t felt like home, or the small and great blessings in my life are feeling heavy, God awaits my return from all my distractions with open arms, because He has never left me. I feel a great sense of remorse as I find that once again, it takes the stripping away of my joys and security for me to come back to my True home.
While I pray often, spend time in the word daily, attend Church and a Bible study; nothing quite makes me honest the way a lot of new stress can. My prayers are more open, my pain is no longer ignored, and my fears are poured out. In all of this, God shows me again the prevailing truth that this is not our true home. Our purposes and comfort cannot be found here. We were meant for another place that we fell away from in our own sin, but ultimately, we are meant for God’s presence.

One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2 NASB)

In the more difficult times that come, whether self-made or outside of our control entirely, God is our home. We can end up anywhere, but God is with us and ready to welcome us back home in our faith, no matter where we are. So today wherever you go, remember that God is with you and so long as you are in his presence, you are where you need to be. You are home.