This World Is Not My Home

This World Is Not My Home was written in 1937 by Albert E. Brumley, one of America’s most beloved gospel songwriters. Brumley, who also wrote I’ll Fly Away and many other enduring gospel standards, had a unique ability to capture the Christian’s longing for heaven in simple yet powerful words. This hymn expresses the believer’s awareness that earthly life is temporary and that true citizenship is in heaven. Its lyrics reflect a pilgrim spirit, reminding Christians that the trials, struggles, and sorrows of this world are fleeting compared to the eternal joy that awaits in the presence of Christ.

The hymn became a staple in both Southern Gospel and evangelical hymnody because of its lively tune and its message of hope. Sung in revivals, camp meetings, and church gatherings, it encouraged worshipers to lift their eyes from earthly troubles and fix them on the eternal home prepared for them. The refrain, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through,” resonated deeply with those who needed comfort in the midst of economic hardships, wars, and personal grief. The words carried assurance that believers are only pilgrims journeying toward a permanent dwelling in glory.

Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to connect with the universal Christian experience of longing for heaven. The hymn strengthens faith by reminding believers that material possessions, worldly success, and even earthly suffering cannot compare to the inheritance that is theirs in Christ Jesus. For nearly a century, This World Is Not My Home has given voice to the believer’s joyful anticipation of eternal life, reinforcing the truth that while the journey here is short and often difficult, the destination is glorious and sure.