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1 Chronicles 17 – Home is Where the Heart Is

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There’s a saying, “Home is Where the Heart is.” This speaks to the fact that “home” is less about the structure and the geographic location, and more about being with the people you love.

God has to remind David of this in 1 Chronicles chapter 17. The chapter opens with David settling into his new home…the palace. And David is so grateful, he desires to honor God by building Him a magnificent home or temple in which to dwell.

But God stops David and reminds him that His “home” has always been mobile. God has always made his home, not in a place, but with His people. When it comes to a “home,” it’s not about a structure or a geographic location, but rather it’s about being with His people.

God goes on to tell David that one of David’s sons will build a house for God. Historically, God is speaking of Solomon and the temple he would build after David’s death. But theologically God is speaking of Jesus…the Son of David…who would sacrifice Himself on the cross to pay for our sins and clear the way for God to dwell with us and in us.

The Apostle Paul, speaking to believers in Corinth, said…

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NLT)

And God still desires that His “home” be mobile, so as to go where the people are. Only now, instead of a tent of cloth and poles, God wants to dwell in a tent of flesh and blood…first with Jesus, and now with us.

For God, home is where the heart is. And His heart is with his people.

Where is Your Home…Really?

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I was driving to work one morning in a bit of a funk. It had been a long and taxing week and I was just feeling a little…blah!

I had my favorites playlist on shuffle when a song pulled me out of my fog. Actually, it was the following line that captured my attention…

“This house is just an address. You’re my home.”

I immediately hit the “back” button to hear the song from the beginning. The song is called “Home” by singer-songwriter Ellis Paul. In it, a husband tells the vivid story of the night their house burnt down. The first verse has him watching his wife dreaming in bed while, unbeknownst to them, smoke was rising in the halls. And by the third verse, the two of them are standing outside like statues watching the roof crash down.

But the song keeps coming back to this chorus…

Home is the woman across the table
Home is dreaming in my sheets
Home…Home
This house is just an address, you’re my home

As I listened to this song, my perspective began to change and my blah gave way to blessing.

How easy it is for us to focus on the pursuit of an address and all the stuff that goes along with it.

  • A nicer house in a nicer neighborhood.
  • A bigger garage to hold bigger toys.
  • Remodeling, landscaping, and upgrades.
  • And on and on it goes.

There’s nothing wrong with these things, but they are just part of an address. They aren’t home.

Home is across the table from you. Home is hogging the covers or keeping you awake with their snoring. Home is fussing about your annoying habits one minute and telling you they love you the next. Home is handing you a to-do list then fixing you a drink. Home is the eyes of the one who said “I do,” and still does.

I feel like I shouldn’t have to remind us of this, but home is not the roof over your head, but the people under your roof.

So don’t focus so much on the possessions you own. Focus on the people you’ve been given. They are what makes your house a home, and if you don’t treasure them…all you’ll have is a house.

Lessons From Living in a Shack

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In twenty years of marriage counseling, I’ve seen couples put more and more emphasis on their house.

I’ve seen engaged couples believe they couldn’t get married until they had purchased a three bedroom, two bath home. I’ve seen couples expecting a child purchase a bigger home for more bedrooms, bigger yard, better neighborhood, a pool, or a playroom.

It’s as if we believe we can’t have a good marriage and family unless we have the “right” house.

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Rearranged

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familyStrong marriages and families practice flexibility. Whether it’s with the introduction of the first child or the first grandchild, there’s a willingness to go with the flow and let life get rearranged.

In this guest post, Connie Plummer gives a great picture of a marriage that’s willing to be rearranged. Connie is an educator, a children’s minister, and a wise advocate for marriage and family. I know her words will encourage you as much as they did me.  

As you enter our home there is a little table with some favorite photos of our family, daughter, son, husband, wife, and grandkids. Along with these family photos is

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