“This
is my temporary home – it's not where I belong –
windows and rooms that I'm passing through. This is
just a stop on the way to where I'm going. I'm not
afraid because I know this is my temporary home.”
(Lyrics from Temporary Home by Carrie
Underwood)
God’s gift of music is an amazing thing. At times,
it supplies the soundtrack for our lives, quietly
playing in the background of the circumstances
through which we walk. At other times, it serves as
mile markers of our lifelong journey, as certain
songs trigger memories of special times. Still
other times, music serves as a catalyst for greater
thoughts and aspirations, drawing us into worship or
introspection. The song I quote at the start of
this letter fits into this third category.
The song’s stanzas relate the stories of a 6
year-old in foster care, a single mom in a homeless
shelter and an elderly man in the throes of
illness. Each is encouraged by the thought that
their situation is only temporary. The final image
particularly touches me – a man who comforts his
family as he faces death with the truth that his
earthly body is but a temporary home.
As I was listening to this song, and thinking about
an even older southern gospel hymn (“This world is
not my home, I’m just a passin’ through”), I
wondered what the scriptures say about the subject.
As I see it, the Bible has two truths pertaining to
this matter: First, all that we face on earth is
temporary (see 2 Cor. 4:16-18), and second, all that we
experience on earth is intended to prepare us and
others for that which is permanent (see
Phil. 2:14-18). We are
encouraged through the Word of God to live knowing
that there is more to life than what we experience
here on earth while also understanding that we
cannot simply sit passively and await the Lord’s
return.
It is a wonderful comfort knowing that Jesus has
prepared a place for all those who trust in Him as
Lord and Savior. As we all face physical breakdowns
and financial upheavals, we can rest peacefully
knowing that God the Son is working on our new
home. It is also a wonderful comfort to know that
from this day on earth to that day in heaven He will
be providing for each of His own with daily manna
and daily opportunities to serve Him. We are
blessed to know that this is just our temporary
homes. May we likewise be a blessing to those who
think that this is all there will ever be and need
to hear the reason for the hope that lies within
us.
This is my temporary home. I look forward to the
day that I am dwelling in what is permanent. In the
meantime, I look forward to what glimpses of that
future God will bring me and allow me to bring
others until He takes me home. I'm not afraid
because I know this is my temporary home
Blessings,
Mike
