Home is Where the Heart Is

​Have you ever felt stuck? Not the feeling you get after a bad attempt at parallel parking. I mean truly trapped in a life you didn’t ask for - no way back and unsure how to move forward? 

When my family moved to South Carolina from Ohio, I left behind everything and every person I had ever known. Within six months of our move, my marriage disintegrated; I was unemployed and pregnant with a fourth child. 
 
In my despair, I would take my kindergartner to school, set my toddler and preschooler down to watch PBS kids and climb back into bed. With a hand on my swollen belly, a pillow catching the tears from my puffy eyes, I felt like an orphan. I was afraid of the future and trapped in the present with no real place to call home. 

Even in those moments, God’s word flooded my soul. He reminded me that I abide in Him. And My heart, albeit broken, was still beating. 
 
God’s steadfast love remained and sustained me. 
He became the bedrock of my existence. 
 
When I read about Ezra (Ezra 1-6) and the captives taken into Babylon in this week’s passages, I imagine they felt something like this. Not only had their homes been lost, but the temple - God’s house - had also been destroyed. There was no going back to the way things were. The grief must have been overwhelming. I’m sure the thought of rebuilding their lives after such devastation seemed like an impossible and frightening task but God’s people were able to push past the fear and begin the healing process. Ezra 3:3 explains, “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.” 
 
As days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, God brought His people hope of restoration and reminded them that their true home was found in Him.
 
In His unfailing love, God gave them the courage to rebuild the broken places and inhabit the promised land again. Eventually, the temple was rebuilt, and the priests and Levites once again served the Lord: “When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel” (Ezra 3:10).
 
As you read the story of Ezra and the captives, you may find your story written on the pages, too. You are not abandoned, dear Sister. Here, is where we press into the faithfulness of God. We can face opposition with the comfort of knowing we place our hope in Him and in his love. 
 
Ezra 3:11 reminds us of his unfailing love. “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ‘He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever’.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”
 
Slowly, but with a steady hand and a strong arm, God gives courage and strength to rebuild His house - even if it is our broken hearts. He fills in the empty spaces. And the broken spaces that are still healing just serve as conduits of compassion to leak love to others. 
 
In broken places, God’s love becomes our home.
 
 He did it for Israel. He did it for me. He can do it for you.
 
In your prayer time today, ask the Holy Spirit to stir your memories to see God’s faithful love over the past 60 days. Start with a list of just 3-4 and post it in a place where you can see it. It could be directly from scripture or indirectly from people he has brought to you! As you remember his faithfulness, let your heart find its home in His love. 

Memory Verse: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17b-18

About the Author

Howdy! My name is Lonette Baity. My favorite things are Sunday donuts and adventures with my four children, reading historical fiction, board games, and all things coffee. I especially enjoy warm South Carolina springtimes, before the bugs come out to bug me. I am passionate about creating safe spaces where women can rediscover their purpose, reconnect with their hearts and find God's healing in their own stories. I'd love to connect with you at www.LonetteBaity.com.