Finding Rest and Purpose: From Homelessness to a Stable Home, Through the Eyes of Scripture

 

Finding Rest and Purpose: From Homelessness to a Stable Home, Through the Eyes of Scripture

For a long time, the phrase "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20) wasn't just a verse in the Bible; it was a reflection of my daily reality. As a homeless man, moving from place to place, never truly having a secure spot to rest – physically and emotionally – was a constant struggle. Just like Jesus in his earthly ministry, there were times when I had nowhere to lay down.

(Personal Note: This was tough. The exhaustion was real, but so was the feeling of being unseen sometimes.)

But even in those darkest times, a promise echoed in my heart: God said He would take care of me. And He did. In ways I couldn't always see in the moment, His hand was guiding me, providing for me in unexpected ways.

(Personal Note: Looking back, there were so many small miracles. A kind stranger, a warm meal, a moment of unexpected safety. God's hand was there.)

Now, by His grace, I find myself in a different season. I have a stable home, a place where I can finally lay my head down without the constant worry of where I'll be next. It's a blessing I don't take for granted. While life has shifted, and I no longer have someone special to share this home with, I'm learning to find peace and purpose in this new chapter.

(Personal Note: It's different, for sure. There's a quietness now, but also a chance to focus and reflect. It's a new kind of journey.)

This journey has led me to delve deeper into the scriptures, particularly those that speak to Jesus' experience and God's unwavering promises. I wanted to share some of these reflections, hoping they might resonate with others who have faced instability or are navigating new seasons in their lives.

Finding Rest and Purpose: A Biblical Reflection

I. Jesus' Experience of Homelessness:

Jesus' statement in Matthew 8:20 (or Luke 9:58) is stark. He, the Son of God, often lacked the basic comfort of a permanent home. This wasn't a life of leisure; it was a life dedicated to His mission, a testament to His commitment to God's will.

(Personal Note: Thinking about Jesus' sacrifice in this way makes my own struggles feel smaller yet also connects me to something bigger than myself.)

His experience reminds us that earthly comfort is not the ultimate goal. Sometimes, our path may lead us through difficult and uncertain terrains.

II. God's Promises of Provision and Care:

Despite the lack of a permanent dwelling, Jesus trusted in His Father's provision. Similarly, throughout my time without a home, the promises of God were my anchors:

• Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." This verse was a constant source of strength, reminding me that I was never truly alone.   

  (Personal Note: There were times I felt utterly abandoned, but this verse would always whisper truth into my heart.)

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• Psalm 23:1-3: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." Even without a physical bed, God provided moments of peace and restoration in unexpected places. He was my shepherd in the wilderness. 

  
  
   

  (Personal Note: I remember finding solace in quiet parks, feeling a sense of calm even amidst the chaos. Those were my "green pastures" for a time.)

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• Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Focusing on God, even when my basic needs weren't consistently met, somehow paved the way for eventual stability.  

  (Personal Note: When I prioritized my faith, even in small ways, it felt like doors would open that I couldn't have imagined.)

• Philippians 4:19: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." This promise continues to hold true, even now that I have a home. It reminds me that God's provision extends beyond just shelter.   

  (Personal Note: Now, my "needs" might look different, but the trust in God's abundant provision remains the same.)

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III. Finding Purpose and Peace in Stability (and Solitude):

Having a stable home has been a tremendous blessing. It's created the space for things I couldn't easily do before, like consistently writing and sharing my thoughts, and cooking my own food again.

(Personal Note: The quiet of my own space allows my mind to breathe and the words to flow.)

Even though I now navigate this space without a partner, I'm learning about finding contentment and purpose in this season.

• Philippians 4:11-13: Paul's words about learning to be content in all circumstances resonate deeply. Whether in lack or abundance, the strength comes from Christ.

  (Personal Note: Contentment isn't about having everything I want, but about appreciating what I have and trusting God with what I don't.)

• 1 Corinthians 7:17: Embracing the life God has assigned to me, in this moment, brings a sense of peace. There is purpose to be found right where I am.

  (Personal Note: Maybe this time of solitude is for a specific reason, a chance to grow in ways I couldn't before.)

And perhaps, one of those purposes is to share my journey and the lessons I've learned through the lens of scripture. My writing, born from a place of instability, now flourishes in a place of stability. Maybe this is part of God's plan – to use my experiences to encourage others.

(Personal Note: It feels good to finally have the space and peace to put these thoughts into words. Maybe someone out there needs to hear this.)

Reflecting on Our Own Journeys:

Whether you've experienced homelessness or are navigating a different kind of instability or a new season of life, I hope these reflections offer encouragement. God's promises are steadfast. He sees you, He cares for you, and He has a plan for you, even when you can't see the path ahead. Let's continue to seek Him, trust in His provision, and find purpose and peace in every circumstance.

(Personal Note: No matter where you are on your journey, remember you are not alone. God is with you.)