Homesickness II

The idea of being homesick for heaven has continued in my thoughts this week. It has come up in conversations with a number of different friends this week. It was suggested to me that we don't feel homesick for heaven in the way I feel homesick for Brazil because we don't have a physical picture in our minds of what heaven is like. I think in a way this is true. I have been to Brazil and I have a connection with it because of that. I haven't actually been in heaven and I so don't feel that same connection.

I also think that one of the biggest reasons for my homesickness for Brazil is the relationships I have with the people who are there. There are so many people there who mean so much to me! I won't even start to mention names because this post might never end. It makes me think that the reason I don't have that strong homesickness for heaven is that I haven't made my relationship with God a priority. Relationships require time to be formed and to be strengthened. I think my relationship with God is the same. I need to spend time talking to Him. I need to spend time listening to Him. I need to simply spend time hanging out with Him! I will be the first to admit that I don't spend as much time with God as I want or need to. I think that if I did then my homesickness for heaven would skyrocket to a level far surpassing my homesickness for Brazil!

A song that has been important to me this week as I have reflected over my homesickness for heaven is one entitled Homesick by Mercy Me. In this song the reason for being homesick for heaven is a relationship with someone who has already gone home. The longing to be with that person is manifested in homesickness for heaven rather than a desire for that person to be back on earth. It is a powerful song but again, I want my homesickness to stem from my desire to be with God and not for any other reason.

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you?

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now