The Lodestar

Living as a foreigner is a strange experience. Nothing belongs to them in the country where they live. If the foreigner is a newcomer, he finds it difficult to make sense of things happening around him. Homesickness is high in the first few weeks, though it may wear off as time goes on.

Christ-followers are sojourners on earth. Saint Peter calls them "sojourners and exiles" (1 Pet 2:11). The writer of Hebrews here depicts them as people waiting in a foreign country for their permanent residence or a city that is to come. Paul reminded the church in Philippi, though they are Roman citizens, that their real citizenship is in heaven, where Jesus is. "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…" (Phil 3:20).

Christ's followers are not idle passengers in waiting lounges, living in the tension of the now and the not yet. They cherish a dream of reaching their destined home. While on earth, they keep themselves busy, not with worry or fear, but with the joyous anticipation of the new destiny that God has called them to. They are filled with hope and excitement for what is to come.

This assurance of a permanent home that we travel to fills us with a deep sense of gratitude and joy, prompting us to praise God. The foundation of our worship is what God has done and what we will have through Jesus Christ. So, we sing on the way home, every moment of our earthly life. We must not just sing but also integrate personal worship into our daily lives. Taking time out of our daily routine to praise him must be a vital part of our lifestyle, a source of strength and inspiration.

Today, take brief breaks to hum songs of praise to God. Let us punctuate our days with moments of personal worship.

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