Dwelling

Our church has a program to help immigrants improve their English skills. We recently began a Bible study for this group. After reading a Bible passage together, we discuss some questions, the first of which is “what words are new to you?”

In trying to define a word for the participants, I realized how difficult it is to relay some of the subtleties of meaning, especially with some of the less commonly- used words encountered in Scripture.

For instance, the word “dwell” means more than just living in a certain place. It carries the connotation of an intentional, continuous abiding (another less commonly used word) in God’s presence or God making His home in the hearts of believers.

Scripture is full of references to dwelling. In Psalm 23, probably the most familiar of the Psalms, David writes: I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6, NIV). Psalm 90:1 states: Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. And the following Psalm states: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).

Meditate on what it means to dwell—in the house of the Lord, in the shelter of the Lord, in the Lord, Himself. What an immense blessing and feeling of peace comes with dwelling with God.

And God also dwells with us. The consummation of God’s redeeming work through Jesus will result in the new heaven and new earth. Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying or pain… (Revelation 21: 3-4).

Thanks to the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, we can enjoy the peace and blessings of dwelling with God, and God with us. Praise God!