Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
Homesickness comes when you miss the place you are loved, the home and surroundings you are familiar, and the people you live with each day. As a child, I was privileged to go often to my grandparents farm while my parents worked in the city. Many times I would spend nights on the farm, too. My grandparents loved me unconditionally. I loved them like they loved me.
I especially adored my grandpa and always wanted to be where he was. If it meant getting up in the dark before the dawn to feed animals, I got up and tagged along behind him. We didn’t talk much, well, HE didn’t talk much, I was full of questions. I could have lived there full time. When my parents were homesick for me, they would ask if I was homesick. My response was, “nope, I”m fine.” That was followed with, “You could come and visit us.”
I’m homesick for those days just writing this, but I know part of my grandparents lives in me. Their unconditional love for me stemmed from the love they had for God. They knew God personally. Even as a child, I knew they knew God well. Each night, we all knelt in front of the couch, heads bowed, and talked to God. Details of the day were discussed, thanks were expressed for God’s help to handle those details and requests were made for others’ concerns. Because of their witness, I love God with all my heart, mind and soul. I miss them but their God became my God, too. So I only miss them, miss my parents and all the rest who were a part of my growing up life because I know I will see them again!
The Psalmist is homesick to hear from God. He loves God and waits for God to act. Sometimes being homesick is being heartsick with that gnawing in the pit of your stomach when all is not well. He is being attacked from the outside in. He longs to be healed of his homesickness from the inside out. God does that. The writer knows God will act when the time is right in God’s eyes. He trusts in God to bring him through troubled times.
“In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.”
Psalm 119, The Message
Part 11
81-88 I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word.
FROM THE HEART…
Jesus said, “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)
Are you homesick? Do you feel God is asleep at the wheel? We all wonder from time to time. But sometimes we have to wait. We do not like to wait. But in the wait, focused on God, we learn valuable lessons that will help us in our continuing journey. We grow and mature when we trust in God.
“They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.”
No need for homesickness for God unless you moved away from Him. God is right there beside you. He goes before you. He is behind you. He could be waiting on you to follow Him, to let go, to allow His Spirit to work in you from the inside out. GET A GRIP on God! No more homesickness!Tell God you need him today. God will show up just when you need Him most. I know Him. I have experienced His ways. I rejoice, praise and thank God for all He has done is doing and will do in my life. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey”. (One of my grandpa’s favorite hymns.)
How about we all turn our “how long, O Lord,” to “what are you teaching and preparing me to be and do?” You will be amazed by what God will do next!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for helping us in the wait. Thank you for your strength, wisdom, insight and understanding in the middle of chaos. You are always there. I have no need to be homesick for you when I realize Your Holy Presence in my life. I want to follow You where you take me, just like I used to do with Grandpa. I loved and adored my greatest example of Your love for us. Thank you for this memory. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for protection and provisions. Continue to transform us to be all you intended for us to be and do.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 