Moving house can be a wonderful experience. After months or years of searching for the perfect place with great schools nearby, ideal transport links and the right amount of rooms, it's such a relief to find somewhere to call your own.
But the process of searching and settling into a new home can be pretty stressful too. Whether it's disagreements over the interior design or being unable to find essential items packed away in nondescript cardboard boxes, the stresses of a big move can soon take its toll on our emotional and physical well-being.
Researchers have claimed that it's one of the most stressful life events, coming in behind the death of a spouse and divorce. But a fresh start in a new home shouldn't be all doom and gloom, and it doesn't have to be.
The need to navigate change is one of the reasons that moving house tops so many people's lists of stresses. Although our physical homes are important as we spend so much time in them and they're the places where we can truly be ourselves, relax and shut ourselves off from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, we can find all of these comforts and more in God's word. Plus, it's a great source of guidance for when we're making a move.
The following Bible verses can ease the stress of moving home, but they're also great to read over if you're already settled in your own space. If a friend or family member has recently moved into a new home, why not include one of these verses in their 'new home' card? Or if you're the crafty type, embroider one of these verses for them to hang up around the house.
Here are nine Bible verses which help put our physical homes in perspective.
Proverbs 24:3-4 - By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Luke 10:5 - When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house'.
Isaiah 32:18 - My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
1 Kings 8:13 - I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.
1 Samuel 25:6 - Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!'
2 Chronicles 7:11 - Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the Lord, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.
2 Chronicles 7:15-16 - Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
Proverbs 24:27 - Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
Proverbs 3:33 - The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
