Homesick for His Presence: Longing for Communing with Jesus
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
This morning, as I helped Liam prepare for school, I heard something that made me pause and reflect deeply. In his sweet little voice, he said, “Mama, I am homesick.” I was puzzled for a moment and asked, “Liam, how can you be homesick when you’re home?” Without missing a beat, he answered, “Mama, I have homesickness because I miss Papaw.”
Papaw, Liam’s paternal grandfather, works in another state and often travels, so his absence was felt deeply this morning by my sweet hearted son. As the morning went on, I couldn’t shake what Liam had said. It echoed in my heart, and I realized: I, too, know that feeling—homesickness. But for me, it’s not about missing someone earthly. It’s a longing, a deep ache for communion and for communing with my Savior, Jesus.
The word “communing” refers to the act of sharing intimate thoughts, feelings, or experiences with someone, especially in a deep, personal way.
Even as a blood-bought daughter of the King, there are moments when I feel that ache so profoundly. It’s as though my soul, my heart, my mind, and my spirit cry out, “I miss You, Jesus!” Not because He is absent, but because my spirit longs for deeper communion and for a real experience of communing with Him. Just as Liam feels incomplete without Papaw’s presence, I feel incomplete without that closeness to my Savior.
Shouldn’t We Long for Him Daily?
This realization brings me to a convicting question: Shouldn’t I feel this homesickness every day? Shouldn’t we, as followers of Jesus, long for Him so intensely that our very being aches to be in His presence? Not just in moments of worship or prayer, but in the mundane, the quiet, and the chaos of life. Our being should crave the freshness of His anointing, the sweetness of His touch, and the clarity of His revelation each day.
How often do we allow the busyness of life to dull that ache, to distract us from the very One who is our true home? Jesus promised that He would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and yet, it is so easy to feel distant when we fail to prioritize time in His presence. That homesickness is a gift—a reminder that we are created for relationship with Him.
An Invitation to Commune
The beauty of our faith is that Jesus doesn’t require us to wait until we meet Him face-to-face in eternity. Through His Spirit, we can experience the joy and intimacy of His presence right here, right now. He invites us daily to commune with Him, to come to Him with our aches and longings, and to let Him fill every corner of our hearts.
When the word COMMUNE is used in the context of a relationship with God, it involves spending time in His presence, engaging in heartfelt conversation, and experiencing a close, spiritual connection. It emphasizes a mutual exchange of communication and understanding, often leading to spiritual growth, peace, and alignment with God’s will. Essentially, communing is about building and nurturing a personal relationship through open and sincere dialogue.
Psalm 42:1-2 expresses this longing so beautifully:
“As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?”
This verse reminds me that my homesickness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of belonging. I was created to know Him, to love Him, and to dwell in His presence. And every moment I feel that ache, it’s an opportunity to draw closer. How do we draw closer to Him?
Simple. We put in the world in our SECRET PLACE.
The Secret Place: Where We Discover the Heart of God
The secret place of the Most High God is a sacred space where our hearts learn to truly know and understand who God is. It’s a quiet, intimate place where we can listen to His voice and let His love pour over us. This is where we encounter the depths of His character and experience the overwhelming love that He has for us.
Recently, my son Liam said something profound that stuck with me: “Some people make bad decisions that hurt others because they do not know the love of God.” This simple truth really made me pause. When we fail to fully grasp the depth of God’s love, our actions—our words and decisions—can reflect that emptiness. It’s when we lack the fullness of His love that we begin to hurt others, intentionally or unintentionally.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but when we feel lost or distant from God, it’s an invitation to return to the secret place. It’s in this secret place where true transformation occurs. When our finite minds cannot comprehend the vastness of His love, it’s time to make space for Him. We have to go to that secret place, take time, and do the work of deep communing with Him so that we can truly know and receive His love.
The secret place is more than just a time of quiet prayer. It is where our hearts are molded, where we come to understand our true identity in Christ. The more we spend time there, the more we realize how deeply we are loved. The Father wants to show us who He is, but we must be willing to enter that space with open hearts. It is also a place of true communication–the Father with His child.
Let’s return back to Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This verse is a reminder that when we make a home in the secret place, we are sheltered, protected, and transformed by God’s presence. It’s in the quiet moments, the hidden spaces, where God meets us and changes us from the inside out. When we enter the secret place of community with Him, then we walk out of that secret place with the covering of our Most High God!
In Psalm 91:1, we are told, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This verse speaks to the idea of a covering, a protective shelter that shields us from the dangers, worries, and attacks of this world.
The imagery of God’s covering in this verse is rich. It brings to mind the shadow of a mighty eagle, its wings spread wide to protect its young. Just as the eagle covers its fledglings with its wings to keep them safe from the elements, predators, and dangers, so does the Most High extend His protective covering over those who dwell in His presence. When we are under the shadow of the Almighty, we are surrounded by His strength, His wisdom, and His love.
This covering is not just physical protection—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. In the secret place, we encounter God’s peace, which guards our hearts and minds. We are able to lay down our burdens, release our anxieties, and trust in the One who holds the universe in His hands. His covering provides rest and solace for weary souls. The weight of the world may press in, but when we are under His shadow, we find refuge.
Reflection: Where is your secret place with God? Are you taking time to really listen and commune with Him? We cannot underestimate the power of setting aside distractions and simply sitting in the presence of the One who loves us most.
A Prayer for Homesick Hearts
If you’ve ever felt this same longing, this prayer is for you:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating us with a longing for Your presence. When our hearts ache with homesickness, remind us that You are always near. Teach us to seek You daily, to prioritize communion with You above all else. May we never lose the wonder of Your love or the joy of being in Your presence. Fill us anew each day with Your Spirit, and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Living in the Ache
To be homesick for Jesus is to recognize our deep need for Him. It’s a call to slow down, to abide in His presence, and to allow Him to refresh us with His love and grace. Let us cherish that ache as a reminder of our eternal home with Him and let it propel us to seek Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls.
Are you feeling homesick for Jesus today? Let that longing draw you closer to the One who is always waiting to meet you. Continue to abide in the secret place today and everyday so that Jesus will come in and communicate with you so that you no longer are homesick for His presence.
This covering also brings transformation. It’s not only a protective shield; it’s a place of healing and renewal. In the presence of God, our brokenness is mended, our fears are cast aside, and our hearts are renewed. We learn to see ourselves the way God sees us. We are reminded of our identity in Christ, that we are deeply loved, valued, and called to a higher purpose. As we abide in His covering, we become more like Him—more confident, more compassionate, and more able to reflect His love to others.
God’s covering is not just a one-time experience. It’s a daily invitation. Every time we draw near to God, He covers us again, and we are invited into deeper intimacy with Him. It’s a place where we can feel His nearness and receive His guidance. As we spend time in the secret place, we are continually protected, restored, and equipped to face whatever comes our way.
The covering of the Most High is a refuge that provides rest and safety, but it’s also a place where we grow in our knowledge of God and His love. When we understand this, we begin to realize that the secret place isn’t just for times of trouble—it’s for every day, every moment we need to feel His presence and His protection.
Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” This verse beautifully illustrates the gentleness of God’s protection. We are safe under His wings, in His embrace. No matter what storms may come, we are protected. His faithfulness is the shield that guards us from the enemy’s attacks, from fear, doubt, and discouragement.
Reflection: When was the last time you found yourself resting under God’s covering? How has His protection, peace, and love transformed you? Take time today to enter the secret place, to sit in His presence, and allow His covering to renew you. DON’T WAIT.
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