But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Ps. 39:7)

As a newlywed, life held great promise. I was young, hopeful, and eager to begin a new adventure with my handsome new husband. I had left behind my home, my family, and even my birth country to follow after the man I loved. I expected a fairly easy transition to life in my new home; after all, English was the dominant language, the cuisine was familiar, and the culture seemed similar to that of the United States.

However, after a while I noticed some unsettling differences. I was forced to follow the metric system, which I studied in school but always struggled to understand. Some of the rules of etiquette were different from what I learned as a child. I thought I spoke the same language as my neighbors but had no idea what a “chesterfield,” “serviette,” or “double-double” was. I quickly began to feel like the foreigner that I was.

Psalm 39 conveys a greater sense of alienation with the world at large than I felt living in a specific foreign country. This psalm not only expresses frustration with the world’s sin but also emphasizes an important truth: That those who belong to this world will never truly “fit in” with heaven. The opposite is also true: Genuine citizens of heaven will never feel entirely at home in this world, although they must live in it for a time.

When the world discourages you, remember: This is not your home.

Laura Hurd is an ordained minister, pastor’s wife, and mother of four. She has a deep love for rural America and is passionate about its potential for spiritual growth.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.