Our Home and Father

What makes a home? Is it a place, or a feeling, or one’s favorite people? Is it a happy familiarity or sense of security? I would guess that each person reading these words would define home differently, but I suspect that there would be some common themes.

Recently, during Bible class, I was telling my First Grade students about God’s promises never to leave or forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5) and how Jesus said in John 10 that we His sheep are held safely in His hands, and that no one can take us out. (v. 28) As I reminded my class of these things, one of my students raised her hand to say,

“You mean, God is our home, and our Father at the exact same time?”

The more I thought about her statement, the more precious it became. You see, God is our Father—a perfect Father—and in Him we have all that makes a true home. In Him we have family, security, love, and stability. Proverbs 14:26 is a precious promise I have found myself either clinging to or rejoicing over in recent years:

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.”

Home and Father—in God we have both, and that truth gives us a strong confidence as we live our lives in holy reverence and faith.

There will be times in life when our hearts feel overwhelmed, and we may be tempted to think ourselves far from Home and Father God. That is when we can run to passages like Psalm 61 and read:

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. Selah.” (vv.1-4)

Just like the psalmist, we can cry out to God when our hearts are overwhelmed, and be led to shelter, refuge, and protection within His care.

Dear Reader, how is the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart today about your Home and Father? Let the truth of your unshakable security in Him fill your heart with joy as you walk with Him.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2