Longing for a Home

Thanks for joining us for today's devotional reading from Our Daily Bread. It was written by Ann Cetus, and she titled it Longing for a Home. Ann, the lead character in the Ann of Green Gables stories, longed for a family.

Orphaned, she had lost hope of ever finding a place to call home. But then she learned that an older man named Matthew and his sister Marilla would take her in. On the buggy ride to their home, Ann apologized for chattering on and on. But Matthew, a quiet man, said, you can talk as much as you like.

I don't mind. This was music to Ann's ears. She felt no one had ever wanted her around, much less wanted to hear her chatter.

After arriving, her hopes were dashed when she learned the siblings had thought that they were getting a boy to help as a farmhand. She feared being returned, but Ann's longing for a loving home was met when they made her a part of their family. We've all had times when we felt unwanted or alone. But when we become part of God's family through salvation in Jesus, he becomes for us a secure home. He delights in us and invites us to talk with him about everything, our worries, temptations, sorrows, and hopes. The psalmist tells us we can find rest in God and pour out our hearts to him. Don't hesitate. Talk to God as much as you like.

He won't mind. He delights in our hearts. In him, you'll find a home.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Psalm 62, verses 1 through 8. Truly, my soul finds rest in God. My salvation comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress.

I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down, this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place.

They take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God. My hope comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress.

I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Let's pray. Father, help us not to hold back in talking with you when we have something on our hearts. Teach us to come to you without fear and allow you to fill those lonely places. I thank you for your listening ear always. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. My name is Rachelle Traube, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.