God is Our Home Away From Home

I love to travel. Particularly if it leads to sunshine and fish tacos. One thing about traveling that can be a little frustrating, though, is sometimes the amount of things I pack can look like I’m moving out. Even if I’m going to be gone for one night! Isn’t there a motto about always being prepared?

Don’t get me wrong. I love spontaneity and impromptu adventures, but I also like to feel prepared. I like to have outfits planned, travel sizes packed and other miscellaneous items that bring traces of home and lend themselves to a familiarness of routine. But in spite of planning, I tend to forget at least one thing. And sometimes I have to get creative with our temporary surroundings to make them a little bit more comfortable.

This is fresh on my mind because as I sit here typing, I’m not at home. I’m not in one of my usual spots in my house where I spend some Jesus Time or work. Instead I’m in a hotel room and adjusting furniture so I can use outlets and try to be productive with fully charged batteries. But as I looked up to take in the new views, I had a moment where I realized how thankful I am that I can be anywhere and I’m still with God…and He’s still with me.

Sometimes it’s not that simple. A pretty view or moving a chair doesn’t take away the isolation of our circumstances. I love Paul’s encouraging prayer that reminds us we are never without God.  

“I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love.” Ephesians 3:16-18 CSB

So as I looked around at my temporary surroundings and the stunning views from our room, I had a sweet moment that was just between me and Jesus. I love how He gives us those little reminders. It’s kind of like being at home and having my husband come up and give me a quick hug or kiss on the forehead. Or when my kids send an, “I love you Mom,” text. My heart feels embraced.

God wants us to feel surrounded by His presence always. Sometimes I think how awesome and comforting it must’ve been for the Israelites to have had the visual advantage of seeing the cloud and fire leading them while they were in the wilderness. Or to be able to have Moses, who had a direct line of communication to God, assuring them that God was their unmovable, unshakeable place of refuge. Or better yet…to have been Moses and spend time talking with God. Can you imagine being able to say, “Be right back! I’m just going to grab a coffee with God.”

But then I’m reminded that they didn’t have the benefit of having the Holy Spirit in them. You and I as Christ followers are never without the presence of God. We can go to Him in prayer, with or without coffee, whenever we want and not have to move an inch.

As handy as a cloud or burning flame might be, we have Jesus. We don’t need travel sizes or suitcases to be with Him. There are no blackout dates or resort fees. We don’t have to use vacation days or sick pay. We can talk with Him all day long. He’ll never get tired of us or bored with us. He is all we need wherever we are.

I know sometimes it’s hard to wrap your mind around the idea you are never alone. Sometimes life is lonely. I have days, weeks, even seasons of feeling alone. Maybe you’re living in a new place, or starting a new job, a new career or even a new phase of life. And whether it was your choice or not, It can feel isolating. It can even feel like you’re unloveable. But nothing could be further from the truth.

No matter where you are, I hope you’ll let me be the one to tell you that you are never alone. You are always at home with Jesus. He is in you and you are in Him. You are loved. And you and me….we’re in this together!