Trust Meಮಾದರಿ

This Is Not My Home

Read: “And this is what He promised us - eternal life” (1 John 2:25) 

Think: There is a powerful image that often comes to my mind when the troubles of this world feel loud. At the top of the picture, there are heavy, grey clouds colliding with towering waves that are crashing down. As you gaze upon this image, you can feel the fear of being overcome by the raging dark waters. But…a gleam of light. There is a ray of light breaking through the darkness which reveals a lighthouse grounded on a rock, standing firm through the storm surrounding it.

Last year was weighed down by division and polarizing issues which have overflowed into 2021. You learned quickly which family members or friends had differing stances from you regarding social injustices, politics, masks, etc. Sometimes in moments of frustration, I take a breath and repeat, “This is not my home.”

As a Christ-follower, I know that my eternal life is secure in the finished work of Jesus Christ. “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14). When my focus is solely on the world around me, it can cause my heart and mind to be heavy, discouraged. But the moments when I am reminded of an eternal perspective, many of the troubles of this world become much quieter. No matter the current raging storm in our world, we don’t need to lose hope or drown in the waves around us. “I love you LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:1-2).

Rock. Fortress. Firm Foundation. Deliverer. One in whom I take refuge. My safe place. Truth from God’s Word can give us strength for each day.

Apply: What storm is currently raging around you? How can an eternal mindset bring hope and perspective to your life? 

Prayer: Lord, help me to “fix my eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

(Mary Edwards is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College (‘10) studying Elementary Education. She is married to her husband, Carl of eleven years and together they live in Leola, PA with their two young children. Mary serves as Director of KidMin at Gateway Church  in Parkesburg, PA.)