If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? For many, the answer might be a paradise on earth—a tropical island, a bustling city, or perhaps the quiet of the countryside. Yet, as a Christian, the question runs deeper than the appeal of earthly comforts or scenic beauty. The true longing of a believer’s heart is not rooted in geography but in the presence of God. For me, it’s not the place that matters; it’s that God is there with me.
The Presence of God: Our True Home
In Psalm 139:7-10, David writes, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” This profound truth reminds us that we are never alone—God’s presence is with us wherever we go. He is our refuge, our sanctuary, and our safe haven.
Wherever we live, if God is there, we have all we need. This world, with all its beauty and brokenness, is not our final home. We are, as the Bible says, “foreigners and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). What gives us peace and contentment in any place is not the landscape but the assurance of God’s presence, protection, and guidance.
Safety in God’s Presence, Not the Absence of Danger
Living in God’s presence doesn’t mean we’re promised a life free from hardship. In fact, Jesus himself said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Safety for the Christian is not the absence of danger, but the assurance that God is with us in every situation.
When the Israelites faced challenges in the wilderness, it was God’s presence that sustained them. In Exodus 33:14, God told Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Moses understood that it was better to stay in the wilderness with God than to enter the Promised Land without Him. For a true follower of Christ, there is no safer place than being where God’s presence resides.
Finding Fulfillment Wherever God Leads
The Apostle Paul exemplifies a life surrendered to God’s will. Whether in freedom or in prison, Paul found joy and purpose because he knew God was with him. In Philippians 4:12-13, he says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This contentment was rooted not in his surroundings, but in his relationship with Christ.
Likewise, our hearts should find rest wherever God leads us. Whether He calls us to a far-off land, a city bustling with opportunity, or a quiet place tucked away from the world, our satisfaction comes from knowing God is with us, leading, providing, and strengthening us.
The Promise of a Greater Home
While we may dream of beautiful earthly locations, let us not forget that our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Jesus promised in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Our ultimate longing should be for the eternal home He is preparing, where we will dwell with Him forever, free from all sorrow and pain.
So, if I could live anywhere, it would be in God’s presence—whether that’s in a bustling city, a quiet village, or a faraway country. I am content wherever God places me because safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. For me, home is not about where I am; it’s about who is with me. As long as God is there, that is where I want to be.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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