July 8, 2013
On Our Way Home
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).
Friend to Friend
Have you noticed how hard "re-entry" is?
One of my favorite movies is “Apollo 13” in which we first heard those famous words, “Houston, we have a problem,” an understatement if there ever was one. The astronauts faced seemingly impossible odds of getting back to earth, but they refused to give up the fight until they finally and safely splashed down in the waters of home.
Life is much the same. We are often thrust into a daily life of foreign and often frightening worlds, shaky circumstances, and impossible trials with no obvious way of escape. It seems like we will never get home and our world will never be right again.
I have discovered a truth that surfaces in my heart on a continual basis. We all come into this world with a sense of being lost. Tucked into the corner of our souls is a feeling of restlessness ... a longing for home, for something eternal. That longing will never be satisfied outside of a relationship with God. He holds each today and every tomorrow in His hands. Nobody and nothing can fill the “God-shaped” hole in our heart.
I have come to cherish that desperate heart cry that drives me to my knees and into the arms of my Father. Each and every time I come to Him, He whispers, "It will be all right. You are not home - yet."
I do not want this broken and torn world to be my final home, but merely a place I am passing through. While I am here, I have a God-sized job to do, an extraordinary mission to complete and a wonderful purpose to fulfill. Is that awesome or what? Absolutely! But it is only the beginning of the eternity for which I was created. And the same is true for you. It doesn't get any better than that, girlfriend.
So as you dive into your hectic schedule, remember that one day, we will be home - with Him - but until then, let's celebrate here! Guard your heart and mind by filling them with God’s Word. Hold fast to the true meaning of a purpose driven life, and don’t let go! Look for ways to share the Good News that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Share the message of the manger, embracing that longing for home as a sweet reminder that one day we will celebrate His birth in Heaven. What a day that will be!
And remember - we are on our way home!
Let’s Pray
Oh God, I love You and am so thankful for the hope that eternity holds because I know You. I am not alone, nor will I ever be. I will lack nothing because You are my Provider. I can sing in the midst of the storm because You are sufficient. I praise You and long for Home. But while I’m here, help me to be all that You created me to be.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
Now It’s Your Turn
Have you ever experienced loneliness or a sense of loss for no apparent reason? The best way to get ready for a difficult time is to stay ready for a difficult time. In other words, now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for the circumstance or trial that triggers discouragement.
- Make time each day to be alone with God.
- Pour out your dreams and desperation to Him.
- Read Psalm 23 once a day.
- Invest at least 15 minutes in solitude each day, allowing your soul to “catch up.”
- Make a list of the top five joy thieves in your life and make a plan to eliminate them.
- Prayerfully choose five verses of Scripture about peace. Write these verses on a 3X5 card and carry it with you. In fact, this would be a great family project for the summer.
More from the Girlfriends
Do not allow anyone or anything to steal your joy. The choice is in your hands. Need help? Check out Mary’s E-Bible study, God’s Answer to Stress, and let it help you learn to manage stress instead of allowing it to manage you.
And be sure to check out Mary’s new weekly Online Bible StudyFrom a Mess to a Miracle. Enroll now and have access to all 2013 lessons. And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.
Seeking God?
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Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
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www.girlfriendsingod.com
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