“You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far off. You search my path and my lying down and are aware of all my ways” (Ps. 139:2-3).
Once, as I prepared my house for a visit by my father, I began to clean and straighten my house. I even bought fresh flowers and plants to place around the rooms to make them seem more lovely. I wanted my home to look as inviting, comfortable and pleasing to his eyes as I could make it. Then it struck me—if I felt this way about my earthly father’s brief visit, how much more care should I give my home every day since my heavenly Father lives here?
I am not a good housekeeper. But motivated by the thought that my house is His home also, I try hard to keep my house clean and neat. It is not professionally decorated with all the latest gadgets, but it is as pleasing to the eyes as my time, energy and budget will allow.
I want those who walk through my door to know that the Lord God lives here. And I hope the reality of His presence is evident to all by the beauty of the outward appearance and the quality of the inner atmosphere of warmth and love they find here.
Anne Graham Lotz is the founder of AnGeL Ministries. She is also the author of several books, Heaven: God’s Promise for Me and Heaven: My Father’s House.