7-Day Devotional

There is no place like home. Many songs and movies have been inspired by a longing to go home. Even the great King David just wanted to be home in the Father’s house (Psalms 27:4). But why? What would make life better there? In this Plan, we will explore how the comforts of our earthly homes can teach us about living in our Father’s house each day while we are still here on earth.

DAY 1: EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY

When I think about my childhood home, it opens up a wide range of images in my mind. I think about the parts of the brick driveway that are uneven from years of white stinkhout tree roots growing underneath. I think about the slate backyard where we played and laughed over the fence with the neighbor’s kids. And in my mind’s eye, I see my bedroom in all its different phases - from pink princess frills to a Bon Jovi poster museum. I know each nook and cranny of that house.

Knowing a space as intimately as our childhood homes creates a bond between ourselves and the house. When we go home, we know that there will be no unwanted surprises. The kitchen will be where it has always been. The door that needs some extra force to open will still do it every time. And we find comfort in the predictability of it all.

The unchanged certainty of “home” was one of the reasons David longed to stay in his heavenly Father’s house and never leave. “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple” (Psalms 27:4, NLT). The secret places where David found comfort in his Father’s house would never change.

David knew that whatever uncertainties lay ahead, he could rely on his home with the Lord to be the same. “The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger… Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident” (Psalms 27:1-4, NLT). It is still true for us today.

Today we can still find comfort in the familiar warmth of God’s unchanging house. It only got better! Because Christ lives within us, the comforts of “home” are always available. “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them’” (John 14:23, NLT).

In what ways have you come to know Jesus more deeply throughout your life so far? Do the different ways in which God reveals Himself to you comfort you more and more over time? Which places of comfort are your favorite in your home with Christ?

Let us explore our heavenly home a little more each day. And let us find comfort in our unchanging home in Christ. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NLT).

Scripture readings:

Psalms 27:1-14

John 14:23

Hebrews 13:8