Homesick

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” Hebrews 12:14, NLT.

Melancholy is an emotion I have experienced all my life. When I began elementary school seventy years ago, I cried every single morning about leaving home and heading to school. While you might think this malady lasted only a few days until I adjusted to the new routine, you would be mistaken; I cried every day until reaching third grade! Psychiatrists would no doubt have a “hay day” trying to break down this emotional mountain, but alas, we are a long way from the mountains base, so let us just plow on.

Many people throughout history have suffered from melancholy, which is a form of depression often observed as feelings of sadness for no apparent reason. For example, as I write these words I am temporarily away from my home in Virginia. The surroundings are beautiful where I am, and the destination purpose is in fact for vacation. So, why am I homesick? Well, in Virginia are my family, my dog, Reesey, and cat, Foxy, all of whom bring me joy and comfort in the place where we do life together daily.

Since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, while the melancholy has not gone away, I have a different way of looking at it through an eternal perspective. The scripture verse from Hebrews describes “our permanent home…yet to come” for all who believe and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Although, we who are alive have never seen this “home,” the more one reads about it in the Bible, and the closer one grows in relationship to Jesus, then the deeper one’s longing becomes to get there in God’s perfect timing.

Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3, NKJV).

For deeper thought, read John 14.