Shelter

The way to be effective in the world is to start with what’s primary, which is God dwelling within us. Find that place within: the Christ within, the I-in-Christ, that place where God dwells, our true self – that place that is without fear, because nothing in the world can harm it. Out of that place of fearlessness, we’re then free to act out God’s will in the world in whatever ways we’re needed.

We are to hold things here with a kind of detachment: this is not the end for us. Having a beautiful home is not the purpose that we strive toward, because our permanent home is not here. This is a temporary home for us. We are on a journey to our real resting place.

My most profound experience of being offered refuge and safety by another human being took place in silence. I just can’t put into words how precious a gift it was. And all she did was stay with me.

The people of God are always on the move, right from the very beginning. I think that nomadic sense is part of our Abrahamic roots. When we try to settle too much in our lives, we can forget that we’re actually on a journey. We’re called to be a pilgrim people.

In Scripture, the idea of home is closely linked with the presence of God and God’s protection. The psalms sing of hiding under the shelter of God’s wings, God as a crag and stronghold. God is a place of safety. At the same time, being at home with God is more than just safety. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises, “My father and I will come and make our home with you.” When we dwell with God and in God, we find our truest home.

What greater feeling of home could there be than knowing that the Source of all your love, and the Source of all your desire, and the Source of all your gifts, and the Source of everything that you’re blessed with is in your presence all the time?