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NOT MY HOUSE, NOT MY MONKEYS

As my adult children leave home, I notice a wonderful phenomenon when they come home to visit. They instinctively know that from the moment they walk through the front door, they are not responsible for the household. I see the way they relax while appreciating our well-stocked grocery cupboards and clean bathrooms. They go to bed without giving a second thought to whether doors are locked or the alarm system is activated. How great to be home!

I believe that a break from all of David’s many responsibilities was one of the reasons why he wanted to stay in the Lord’s house indefinitely (Psalm 27:4). He would not be responsible for whatever happened while he was in his Father’s house. “For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock” (v. 5, NLT). David understood the Lord's eagerness to keep his fatherly responsibilities towards his children.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently invited His disciples to trust their Father with the responsibilities of looking after them. We are often reminded that we may rest from worries and burdens when we are at home with Him. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew 6:31-32, NLT).

It would be very weird if my children continuously checked whether there would be dinner when they came to visit. In the same way, we question God’s nature as a Father when we worry about His responsibilities. When Christ becomes our “home," we can leave our cares and burdens at the door.

Do you believe that God takes responsibility for looking after you when your home is in Him? What would your life look like if you treated God’s presence like your children embrace the carefree space of your home?

Let us enjoy the Lord’s home within us by leaving His Fatherly responsibilities with Him. Let us live in the freedom of knowing that He cares for us. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (Psalm 55:22, NLT).