When you travel to a new place—especially outside your native country—you encounter many changes. The language may be unfamiliar, the people may look and behave differently, the weather might be extreme, and even the culture might challenge your comfort. In such an environment, you may feel disoriented, unsafe, or simply not at home.
This experience mirrors what happens spiritually when we are far from God.
A Biblical Picture: Israel in Exile
Consider the Israelites when they were taken captive to Babylon. This was not just a physical relocation, but a deep spiritual trauma. They were uprooted from the land God had given them, and in Babylon they found no joy or peace. Psalm 137 gives us a moving picture of this:
“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars we hung our harps,
for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’
How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?”
— Psalm 137:1–4 (NIV)
These verses reflect a profound sorrow. The Israelites were not just physically in exile—they were spiritually displaced. Their captors demanded entertainment, but how could they celebrate when they were far from the place of God’s presence?
What Does It Mean to Dream of Being in a Foreign Land?
If you find yourself dreaming of living or wandering in a foreign land, it could be a spiritual message.
1. If You Are Saved (a Born-Again Believer):
God may be warning you that you’re drifting away from His will. That dream could be a symbol of spiritual disconnection—living outside of God’s “promised land” for your life. It might mean that your faith is growing cold, and God is calling you to return, to remain in His presence and obedience.
2. If You Are Not Yet Saved:
The dream may reveal your current spiritual state. You are like someone living in a land that is not your home. No matter how pleasant life may appear on the surface, there is no true freedom or peace outside of Christ. Sin brings separation from God, just as exile separated Israel from Zion.
The Bible says:
“What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!”
— Romans 6:21 (NIV)
You may feel surrounded by the wrong influences—relationships, addictions, or habits that are not what God intended for your life. But the good news is that you don’t have to remain in exile.
The Call to Come Home
Just like the Prodigal Son who wasted his inheritance in a distant land but eventually came to his senses and returned to his father (Luke 15:11–24), you too can come back to your Heavenly Father. His arms are always open.
Also, like Cain, who after killing his brother became a restless wanderer (Genesis 4:12), life outside of God’s presence leads to aimlessness and loss of peace.
But today, you can make a choice. Jesus Christ invites all people—regardless of background, religion, or past sins—to come to Him. He offers rest for your soul and eternal security in Him:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
A Step Toward Restoration: The Prayer of Repentance
If you feel lost, far from God, or spiritually in exile, know that Jesus can bring you back into fellowship with God. He paid the price for your redemption through His death and resurrection. All He asks is that you turn to Him in faith.
If you’re ready, you can say a prayer like this:
Prayer of Repentance
Lord Jesus, I come to You today knowing that I have sinned and gone far from You. I have tried to live life on my own, but I now realize that only in You is true peace found. Forgive me, cleanse me, and make me new. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I open my heart to You—come into my life, be my Savior and my Lord. Thank You for accepting me. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Final Word:
Just as God eventually restored Israel from exile, He longs to restore you. You were not created to live as a spiritual foreigner. Come home today—and experience the joy of living in the kingdom of God, where you truly belong.