Your statutes have been my song in the house of my sojourning.  Psalm 119:54

Everyone’s home experience falls somewhere on the continuum between bad and good.  For some, it was predominantly positive.  For others, mostly negative.  But for most, it was life-giving punctuated with some hardships.  One thing is for certain for all of us; home is temporary.  Just ask any who are old enough to have buried their parents and watch as their childhood home was sold to strangers.

So what kind of statutes was the psalmist referring to in today’s scripture?  What could possibly make me sing in the home of my ‘temporary-ness’?  Why would I want to sing if my experience was painful?  What kind of joyful song could be composed if my home was a wonderful place, but is now just a distant memory?  How about lyrics that express these truths!

I existed with God before I was ever born to my family.

He loved me from before time, before I had a last name.

I’ll have a home He’s preparing for me that no one can take away; it will exceed any pleasure of my earthly home.

My identity in the kingdom is solid through and through, even though I may have been undefined here and opportunities lost.

I have a beautiful name that means something even if my name here has negative ties.

Family members do not always greet each other with hugs and affirmations.  When homes are unlike the kingdom, we do not have to wander off in shame and anonymity.  Lyrics are waiting to be crafted.  Melodies are waiting to be hummed.  Songs are waiting to be birthed on the tongues of those who have long realized they need a real home, a lasting refuge, a perfect Father.  Every statute of our permanent Father is waiting to be discovered, then sung by the tongues of His children.

Many orphans have heard you call them home.  They finally found where they belong.  I am a child in the children’s parade; we’re all making our way home to the gates of your kingdom.  Amen