Encouragement for Today - January 12, 2006
1/12/06
Encouragement for Today
“Making Our Home in God”
Micca Monda Campbell, Director of Outreach, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
Psalms 91:9,10, “Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door.” (The Message)
Devotion:
In the classic movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” Judy Garland, who portrays Dorothy, leaves her family and friends hoping to find a better place somewhere over the rainbow. There is only one problem. The other side of the rainbow was no place like home. Nothing was familiar there. The sights and sounds were different, and the people were too. They even spoke with a funny little accent. Dorothy was in a foreign land and her only desire was to go home. Unfortunately, no one could help her. Not even the great Oz.
Eventually, when all seems lost, Dorothy learns that home is not a physical place for which you go looking. It is an atmosphere where love and acceptance is given and received especially in the midst of life’s storms. Enlightened by truth, she awakens in her own bed surrounded by her friends and family. Their love and concern for Dorothy confirms her new insight, prompting her to speak those most famous words, “Oh, Auntie Em, there’s no place like home.” And our hearts instantly connect.
It’s true. There is no other place on earth like home. My parents still live in the house where I grew up. Even though I have had my own house for some time now, when I walk through the door of my parent’s house, it still feels like home. Not because of the outward construction, but because of the inner atmosphere, filled with memories that sustained me throughout the years.
To most, home is a safe haven. It is a place where we feel warm, secure, and protected. Home is where we can rest, let our hair down, and feel accepted no matter what. It is where we can lock out stress and troubles that surround us. Yes, home is meant to be a safeguard.
Unfortunately, I realize your home may not have provided a safe haven for you as a home is intended to do. On the other hand, you may be like Dorothy searching for something that already exists in your own backyard and you’ve yet to realize it. Either way, our earthly homes, as good as some may be, can’t always provide shelter from the storms of this world. The good news is there is a refuge and fortress where we can take cover both now and for eternity. That place is in God.
We are invited to make God our home. There are benefits to abiding in His presence. We will find rest, peace and safety from all danger. Isn’t that the kind of home you’re looking for?
How do we make God our home? We do this by communicating daily with our Father, dwelling in His presence by acknowledging His activity throughout the day, and by depending on His grace. The result is we will feel welcomed, secure and live in perfect peace.
Those who make God their refuge and strong tower discover that His promises are true. Look again at the Psalmist’s words, “Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door” (MSG).
We can be assured that if we have made God our home, He will be our defense. God is ready, able and willing to help us carry our burdens and protect us from the snares of our enemy.
Our earthly homes may not be strong enough to withstand the storms of life, but under the shelter of the Almighty we are always protected. We do not have to fear the dark, sickness or trouble. For God is our help. The Lord is sufficient for all who dwell under His divine protection and make Him our home.
Jesus’ invitation is open to all who wish to make their home in God. “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” There is always room for one more. It’s not a physical place somewhere over the rainbow. God’s house is within; where love and acceptance is given and received. Will you come home today? There’s no place like home…in God.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I long to be Your dwelling place. I’m tried of trying to live on my own. I invite you to make Your home in me. Because You are my fortress and my refuge, I will trust in You to be all I need. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Application Steps:
1) Begin living in God’s home by spending time talking with Him and reading His Word.
2) Continue remaining in God’s presence by playing praise music throughout the day. Ask God to open your eyes so that you can see His activity in your life. Then, thank Him for being there; loving you, caring for you and providing for you.
3) Find rest and comfort by depending on God’s grace. Let Him carry your burdens, allow His grace to forgive your sins, and trust God with your future. As you trust your Father, you’ll find the rest you long for.
Reflection Points:
What kind of home did you grow up in?
Are you longing for the kind of home God has provided for you?
What can you begin doing today in order to make your home in God?
Power Verses:
Psalms 91:1-4; 5-6; 14 (MSG):
(1) “You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
(2) Say this: ‘God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!’
(3) That's right - he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards.
(4) His huge outstretched arms protect you - under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.
(5-6) Fear nothing - not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.
(14) ‘If you'll hold on to me for dear life,’ says God, ‘I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.’”
Additional Resources:
Dreams of a Woman, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_dreamsWoman.htm
Let it Rain (audio CD), by Gwen Smith
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_letItRain.htm
Searching for God’s Treasures (4-CD set), by Renee Swope
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_searching.htm
