Finding HomeНамуна

Sometimes, when I meet friends after a long time, they usually ask me, “How was your summer? Did you go home?” What they mean by home is India because I was born and raised in India, and I regularly visit my homeland to see my parents. But since I live in the U.S. now, I consider it too my home. I know what my friends mean when they ask me about home, but their questions can stir up complex thoughts and feelings.

I moved to the U.S. as a newlywed from India in 2008. My husband worked as a consultant for technology-related companies. As his clients and projects changed, our places of residence changed too—Redondo Beach, California; Jersey City, New Jersey; Morristown, New Jersey; Little Rock, Arkansas.

We returned to Hyderabad, India for the birth of our son where we lived for a year. When we came back as a family of three to the U.S., we put down roots, or so we thought, in southern California. After seven years, however, we packed up all our belongings and relocated to northern California because my husband changed jobs.

I’ve lived in at least ten different houses over the last 17 years. So, yes, home is a complicated thing for me.

Moving constantly forced me to grapple with the definition of home. Deep down inside, I was facing a more fundamental conflict. I was becoming aware of a growing and persistent feeling of not belonging anywhere. If home meant a familiar and secure space, a place of belonging, was I never going to have one?

I wonder if you can relate to me on some level.

Where is home for you?

Maybe it’s one place or many places.

Maybe you don’t feel at home anywhere.

Or maybe so much has changed in your life that home does not feel like home anymore?

Maybe you’re still searching for home.

Over the next three days, we will uncover what the Bible teaches us about our true home and why it matters.

The concept of home is not only linked to our sense of identity and belonging but also affects our feelings of security and stability. Knowing where our true home is can reorient our way of thinking and living.

This reading plan will help you gain a fresh perspective on home that will fuel your love for God, strengthen your faith in Him, and inspire you to follow Him.