My son came home for a surprise visit last evening, so we all went for a walk by the water around sunset. It was nice to have him back, and while we walked and talked together, my shoulders relaxed, knowing he was safely beside me. It’s an odd feeling this growing older and children leaving to make their own way somewhere else. You must trust that they are ok, but you don’t ever entirely stop worrying about them as any mother knows. The family felt complete again as we laughed and chucked our way through one story and on to the next. The ebb and flow of our voices as we shared the new things happening in our lives refreshed our souls like the cool breeze off the water on this hot summer evening. 

It was as if no time at all had passed. Old jokes, well-worn banter, familiar roles slipped seamlessly back into place. Secure. 

Our relationship with Jesus should be like that – comfortable, like home. He is our rock, our stability, our fortress, and from the security of His protection, we can find rest for our souls. We should know His words so well that they come to us like comfortable conversation filled with phrases and advice we already know. When we study the bible, it should be like talking to an old friend. We know all their stories, we remember that time s/he said this or that. We just know what s/he would do in any particular circumstance because we know them so well. 

Reading, remembering, reciting the word should feel like home to us – a place where we know what the drawers hold, which room is which, and what time dinner is sitting on the table. At home, we are safe. At home, we can rest. At home, we can finally let our shoulders drop and our guard down. 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;

    my salvation comes from him.

2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62: 1 & 2