Hiraeth

There is a Welsh word, Hiraeth, that has no direct English translation. It speaks of a deep, aching longing—for home, for belonging, for something lost or perhaps never fully known. It captures a spiritual yearning many feel but cannot name. This is the soul’s cry for God—a homesickness for the eternal.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has planted eternity in the human heart…” (NLT). This divine seed makes us restless until we walk closely with Him. We do not long for just answers, but for the One who is the answer. The more we taste His presence, the more we crave the depths of His love, mercy, and truth.

Hiraeth describes the depth of the most wonderful time you have ever had with God. When words fail, and our spirit aches with Hiraeth, let us not be dismayed. It is our heart remembering its true home—God Himself.

Quote

Hiraeth is the echo of heaven in the heart.

Prayer

Lord, draw me closer to the depths of who You are. Amen.

Action Point

Spend ten minutes in silence today, simply longing for God.

Copyright notices

(NLT) Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Use in other publications.

You can freely use this devotional personally, in your Church or Ministry, when including this notice.   Copyright © Carl Brettle. Subscribe for free via www.imani.org