It’s after midnight, and I’m the only one awake. That seems to be the story of my days lately. I’m back in the gym, eating healthy, and sleeping more than I’ve slept in the past, yet something is still off. It’s my heart, I think. Not in the sense that something is physically wrong. But, in the sense that my heart is scattered across too many time zones around the world.
It’s My Heart
My husband reminds me that longing for a place where our hearts feel at home is normal. As Christians, we know this world is not our home. And we know that the borders on a map and the distance between loved ones cannot hinder God’s watchful, loving eyes. He sees us, is with us, and works in us no matter where we are in the world. I’m trying hard to be comforted by that knowledge. And yet, it’s my heart, yes, a grandmother’s heart longing to live closer to her grandchildren.
Listen to this message from the Lord, you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coastlands: The Lord, who scattered his people, will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock. Jeremiah 31:10 NLT
O Church of God
The words in the passage take me back to an old hymn resounding in my soul,
O church of God, the day of jubilee
Has dawned so bright and glorious for thee;
Rejoice, be glad! Thy Shepherd has begun
His long-divided flock again to gather into one.
God is the gatherer of His children, and He will gather us, His flock, into one. This promise is one that we can all cling to. There is so much division, heartache, and longing in the world. Wars, conflicts, and unrest keep families apart and worried about one another’s safety. What do you do on the nights when sleep feels like a long-lost friend? I pray.
Gathered Not Scattered
I’m praying in these hours before my husband awakes and a new day begins. I pray for my family and for yours. I’m praying for God to gather us into one. I pray for those with unsettled hearts, those longing for peace, and those crying out for the chaos they’re facing to end.
*For those of you who prayer walk, pour your heart out to Him, and pray for God to hasten the day when the flock will be gathered into one.