Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

— Psalm 23:6

Most cultures have a word for that feeling we all get when we experience being home. It includes a sense of safety and warmth and even coziness and intimacy. We all long for these things. If we didn’t have these in the setting we grew up in, perhaps we could find them in the home of a friend or in a group of caring friends or in the wonder of God’s creation. Home is where we can let down our guard and be ourselves.

The psalm writer affirms that he feels at home “in the house of Lord”—and that has to do with the presence of the Lord. So home is wherever the Lord his shepherd is present. In this sense home is experienced more in relationship than in terms of place. Home is not restricted to time or space. The one who made us and shaped us and knows our name is home to us.

Following the shepherd is where we belong, and this includes being with the Lord’s other sheep. The shepherd even searches out his sheep who might leave the fold because he knows he can care for them best.

In today’s world there are so many people who feel lonely and isolated. They long for home. And those who know the shepherd can point out the way, confident that the lost and lonely will be received with joy!

In what ways is the shepherd nudging you to extend someone an invitation home today?

Lord, we are so grateful that we belong to you and your flock, your church. Help us to extend your love to all who need the home that only you can provide. Amen.