Hope for the Homesick
“Homesickness is a feeling we all carry within us. It makes itself known from time to time, perhaps when we pack up our bedroom to head to adulthood, when we come back and realize we’ve changed, or anytime we change houses or towns. It can prick our hearts even as we stay put. Maybe home doesn’t feel safe—or perhaps it is safe, but late at night we worry someone terrible will intrude or someone wonderful will leave. All of it leaves us longing for a permanent, impenetrable place where we are planned for, welcomed, safe, loved, and liked. We all have stories of homesickness, and that’s why it matters that God has a story of home for us.” - Hope for the Homesick by Caroline Saunders
Trusting God in Seasons of Transition and Change
“Transitioning into a new season can bring a rush of emotions. It can bring excitement and joy over the coming of a long-awaited hope, or it can usher in uncertainty and a longing to stay put just a little while longer in the face of the unexpected. Our incoming seasons may look different, but regardless, transitions can produce both sweet memories to cherish and stressful situations to navigate. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to stay focused on God throughout the journey.” - Trusting God in Seasons of Transition and Change by Chrissy Callahan
How Do I Take the Next Right Step?
“God’s Word is the ‘lamp’ of our lives. When we don’t know which way to go, are struggling to make a decision, or are paralyzed in the darkness of depression, Scripture is the ‘lamp’ that points us in the right direction. Through his Word, the Spirit illuminates the very next step. We may not have enough light to see the full outcome of our circumstance, but he is faithful to provide enough of what we need to step forward, trusting that his ‘lamp’ will then shine for the next step, and the next, and so on.” - How Do I Take the Next Right Step? by Ashley Setterlind
The Lord's Nearness and Our Good
“There are times when we don’t necessarily feel God’s nearness to us. And it is then that it is absolutely vital to regularly be immersing our souls in Scripture. One of the places I consistently turn to is the book of Psalms. The Psalms give us language for our lament and teach us how to pray honestly before the Lord. The Psalms remind us of the character of God and foretell our Savior. In our moments of distress, we cry out, because the psalmists model for us what it’s like to bring all of our feelings and emotions to God.” - The Lord’s Nearness and Our Good by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
Our Forever Home
“My husband and I are preparing for our seventh move in ten years of marriage. As I pull packing tape across the top of yet another box, I begin to feel a familiar ache. I’m homesick. I cannot wait for the day we are finally done moving—the day we unpack our last box and settle down in our forever home. This yearning has grown with each move, but I know it won’t be fully satisfied in our next house, even though we hope to plant our roots deeply there.” - Our Forever Home by Hunter Beless