In Psalm 119:26, David prays, “I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.”  (The Message)  Wherever we are in our life’s journey, we have not trod these particular steps before.  We tend to think this applies to the young, the inexperienced.  Yet even in our advanced years, each step leads into an unknown future.  With the Psalmist, I look to the Lord for “clear directions.”

This verse reminded me of an old hymn, “Heaven is My Home.”  (It was in the Missouri Synod hymnbook from 1941.)  As a child I loved this hymn, although I couldn’t have told you why.  I know it was sung at funerals, but  we also sang it in Sunday services.  I can still picture my childlike delight, when I spotted the number was on the hymn board.  (It was at the very end of the hymnal, easy to recognize).

The first stanza reads as follows.

I’m but a stranger here,
Heav’n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear,
Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on every hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland,
Heav’n is my home.

Our way might be dreary with danger and sorrow, and indeed it is.  We face danger, division, and discrimination.  We can’t ignore these; we need to deal as best as we can.  We give our best effort at applying God’s love in each situation.  It’s not easy.  But we need not despair; something wonderful is coming. 

Judy

“Heaven is My Home”  Text, Rev. Thomas Rawson Taylor 1835, Music Arthur Seymour Sullivan 1872