Have you experienced homesickness? I have. Many times, to be honest. Even as an adult, there have been numerous times that I intensely longed to be home.
My first bout of homesickness happened as a preschooler. My best friend, Sue, invited me to spend the night at her house. It was all fun and games until time for lights out. I remember climbing into the top bunk of Sue’s oh-so-cool bunk bed, turning my face to the wall, and crying like a baby. Sue’s precious Mom dried my tears, loaded me in her car, and took me home.
My Mom was waiting at the door. I remember clearly how she cupped my face in her hands and told me everything was okay. She tucked me into my bed, kissed my forehead, and turned out the light. I immediately drifted off to sweet sleep. I was home.
What is homesickness?
Homesickness is defined as “the distress caused by being away from home. Its cognitive hallmark is preoccupying thoughts of home and attachment objects.” I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get homesick for Heaven, my eternal home. It’s not that I am unhappy here; quite the opposite is true. But as good as life can be on this side of eternity, there is a deep desire to be home forever.
In 1973, Squire Parsons penned the lyrics to a popular gospel song titled Sweet Beulah Land. The first stanza’s lyrics and refrain speak of his longing for Heaven:
“I’m kind of homesick for a country
To which I’ve never been before.
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
For time won’t matter anymore.”“Beulah Land, I’m longing for you
And some day, on thee I’ll stand
There my home, shall be eternal
Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land”(Squire Parsons)
Jesus is preparing a home for us and will personally take us there.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:2-3
Our new home will be perfect.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4
“And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:5
A day is coming when all sickness will end. I look forward to meeting my Savior. I imagine he will cup my face in his hands and tell me everything is okay. He won’t need to turn out the light because He is the light; there will be no more night.
Just think of it: home for eternity. We will be with the One who loves us most, who died so we could live. We will be home –forever. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We long to go home.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs