I’m But a Stranger Here

“I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God.” 1 Peter 2:11-12 NASB

As a pastor and teacher, Thomas Taylor observed how many Christians felt frustrated. Even though they had committed their lives to Jesus and said they believe the Bible, they still failed to experience God’s peace and joy. And they didn’t realize what was wrong.
Born on this day in 1807 in northern England, Taylor knew the Bible urges us to focus on God’s Kingdom. On pleasing and serving Him. But many Believers still spend much of their time thinking about worldly things. This led to inevitable problems, and much wasted energy. He expressed his insights in a hymn called “I’m But a Stranger Here.”
He wrote, “Heav’n is my home; earth is a desert drear.” All around him were “danger and sorrow,” but Heaven was his “fatherland.” When he went through storms on earth, he reminded himself that his pilgrimage here was short: “Time’s cold and wild wintry blast soon shall be over past; I shall reach home at last.” There he would be “at my Savior’s side.” This will be a place of rest where he would join “those I loved most and best.”
This realization gave him perspective on life. He had no reason to complain. And no matter what he went through, he knew that he soon would stand “at my Lord’s right hand.”
It can be easy to get caught up in the problems and worries of this world. In your life, remember that you are just a stranger here, that Heaven is your real home. Make sure that your priorities are right. Commit your life to serving God. Seek first His Kingdom.

Prayer: Father, I place my hope and trust in You. I seek Your Kingdom. I dedicate my time, talent, and treasure to You. Use me to bring the Gospel to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.