If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. – C. S. Lewis
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1
These all died in faith, not having received he things promised but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. – Hebrews 11: 13-16
The modern philosopher had told me again and again that I was in the right place, and I had still felt depressed even in acquescence. But [now] I had heard that I was in the wrong place, and my soul sang for joy, like a bird in spring. The knowledge found out and illuminated forgotten chambers in the dark house of infancy. I knew now why grass had always seemed to me as queer as the green beard of a giant, and why I could feel homesick at home. – G. K. Chesterton
Homesick at Home
The ancients and moderns have already said everything better than I. So feel free to quit this blog right now after reading the above quotes. Read on at your own peril.
The Lord God made me for something quite different than what this world has to offer. Nothing satisfies or nourishes perfectly, only partially. Nothing here is truly sufficient.
Relationships fall short of providing the love we really need. Our body is feeble, vulnerable, and prone to heartbreak, easily devoured by the lion preying on our every weakness. And all these self-help books don’t really provide much relief.
What have we been taught? The aggregate message of your society offers steps to safeguard your body, heart and mind:
1. Work hard and earn a college degree. Get a nice well-paying job.
2. If you do relationships right you’ll always be loved.
3. Follow your conscience and you’ll be at peace.
I can’t say this has worked well for me. Arguably, I had these three steps mastered. But if I’d fallen ill and passed away this spring my obituary would’ve read like this:
Zachary Mark Larson, age 21, graduate from Bethel University with degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry, Cru high school volunteer, loved by family and friends, died unexpectedly today completely miserable.
Have you ever asked this question: Why do I feel so alone with people? Why do I feel so homesick at home? Clearly, this can’t be all there is for me.
Today I’d like to repeat a truth that you may not know yet: You were birthed into a world named Insufficiency. And every day you wake with needs and desires that the earth cannot satisfy.
But perfect love DOES exist, along with real satisfaction and even we are given the right to be become children of God. Born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
God places immense value on your soul. He adores you and He would be dearly pleased if you gave up trying to find love in the hollow realities of this world, and instead turned to him.
The Lord Jesus is the true way that leads to life everlasting, and your real home.
John 14:1-3
Let not your hearts be troubled.
1. Believe in God;
2. Believe also in me.
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.
Amen.
Zach
