Do You Dwell or Just Visit?
Do you have a chair in your house that fits you like an old shoe?
My husband and I each have a designated, comfy chair in our living room—complete with a pillow and fleece throw—which we call “ours” personally. Whether talking, sharing a snack, or watching television, we never stray from our respective, appointed, oversized easy chairs. Ever.
The reason is simple. Our assigned chairs have deep seats, they’re cushioned, they offer support, plus, they even recline (electronically). Our chairs offer cozy relaxation, which is just what we want in the main area of our home. Our living room is, after all, where we spend most of our time with each other. It’s where we feed our relationship. It’s where we abide. And remain. Our home—our living room—is a dwelling place.
To dwell means to live, abide, or remain in a specified place.
The anointed, but not-yet-ruling David is thought to have penned a verse in Psalms when he was a fugitive in the wilderness, fleeing from King Saul and seeking refuge from his enemies. David prioritized his relationship with God in his life and valued this relationship more than anything else. He fully trusted God to protect him in all areas of his life. He did not seek God as a means to an end, he just wanted to “be” in God’s presence.
One thing I ask from the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
Hmmm. Perhaps we can learn something from David.
We often hurry through the routines of our day, only to move on to the next set of tasks ahead of us. Sadly, this includes our relationship with God.
Fold laundry . . . check.
Do dishes . . . check.
Pay bills . . . check.
Read Bible . . . check.
Pray . . . check.
Mere timed visits with God will always leave us lacking. Efforts to stay, reside . . . dwell in God’s presence throughout the day provides ultimate fulfillment for our troubled and weary souls. Abiding in His presence and being fully present in our relationship with God is how we’re calmed by His Spirit and how we gain guidance for our lives.
Our sustenance comes from being with God on an ongoing, intentional basis. His Spirit must feel welcome in our lives if we desire to have fellowship with Him. Constant communication with God about every aspect of our circumstances is what nurtures our intimacy with Him.
Periodic, fleeting visitation will never afford us the abundant, long-lasting peace, comfort, and joy God desires for you and me.
How can you and I go beyond a surface-level relationship with God and dwell in His presence? Here are a few ways:
- Talk to God in quiet reflection.
- Read the Bible to know God’s character more deeply.
- Return your thoughts to God throughout the day.
- Remain fully present in your time spent with Him.
So, pull up a comfy chair at the feet of Jesus and stay a while.
Stop. Listen. Dwell.
Father God, teach my heart to stay and dwell in Your presence, rather than only visit when convenient. Quiet the noise in my day that pulls me away and stir a deeper hunger in me to remain with You. Amen.
What are some of the ways you dwell in God’s presence? Share your thoughts–I read every one!
Thanks so much, Dawn, for this reminder that a cozy, quiet, enriching time with my Papa God awaits … my favorite time of day! Hey, girlfriend, are you going to the AWSA conf in MO? I’ll be there and I’d love to sit with you at some of the meetings/meals and catch up!
Thanks for commenting, Debora! Yes, Father invites us to sit and stay awhile with Him—there’s nothing better. As of right now, I won’t be able to make it this year to AWSA, but if anything changes with my schedule, I will reach out and let you know. Hugs!
Eric and I had “our favorite chairs” too. I now sit in “his chair,” it gives me some comfort. #2 on your list hit me hard. I want to be mad at God but as I read about His character I can’t justify that thought process. I am in a season of dwelling.
Dear, dear Janet…how comforting that you are sitting in Eric’s chair. I honestly believe God is okay with our raw, real, true feelings–even if that includes being angry at Him for a bit. He knows and understands all of our emotions. As you “dwell”, know for certain that Jesus is right there “in” it all with you. Hugs to you, friend.