We Are Not Home Yet

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) A few years ago, I endured some bullying in the workplace, and it really hurt me. One day, yet another incident like that had happened, and I went into a room to cry and pray. Almost instantly the words to an old Jim Reeves song popped into my head, a song I barely knew: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through, My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue, The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.” John 16:33 also came to mind. What a comforting thought — God knows what we need, and He knows when we need it! That is another reason it is so important to read our Bible. In times of need God brings verses to mind to help, comfort and guide us. I still do not really know the song enough to sing it, but it has such a great message — that we are only here for a short time, and we have so much to look forward to when we get to our eternal home. The hurts of this world are only temporary, and we may have peace through God to endure. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16, NIV). Lord, thank You for Your Word! — Leana Patenaude   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org