One Word is DWELL

In the last few weeks, my Journey devotional magazine has taken me to Psalm 91. It amazes me to see God using previously written pieces to speak a timely word of truth and encouragement.

Psalm 91 is a true word of hope and reassurance as we navigate a world full of trouble. This Psalm reminds us that it is God who is our refuge and protection. He is the One who delivers us from the snare and the deadly pestilence.  He is faithful to guard us in all our ways. We don’t have to fear what we cannot see because His faithfulness keeps us secure from harm. Take time this week to meditate on this Psalm; it will change how you respond to whatever troubles you today.

As I have reread and prayed through this Psalm 91, one thing in particular stands out to me. These promises are made to a specific audience- to those who have made the LORD their dwelling place!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (verse 1) Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place- (verse 9)

I wrote in the margin of my Bible-

This is essential!
Where do I dwell-  in the LORD or somewhere else?

I want to make the LORD my dwelling place, but most days that’s not my natural default. If I’m honest, I live in the seen. In what I can control. Accomplish. Attain. Feel good about. Receive praise for. Be noticed by.

God says dwell in the LORD, so I’m asking Him to show me what my life should look like for this to be true. The answer begins as the Psalm ends-

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him and show him my salvation. (14-16)

If I have made the LORD my dwelling, I will-

• Hold fast to Him in love;
• Know His name;
• Call to Him for help

In light of this, I’m considering some tough questions as I examine these areas in my life-

• To what am I holding fast . . . is my trust really in God or is it my bank account, food supplies, news briefings, tasks, safety measures, other people, even entertainment?
• Who does my mind know first and most every day . . .  is it God through His Word or the latest post from the news or social media?
• Where am I looking for help . . . am I on my knees in prayer, calling out to God?

In these present days and times of trouble, I’m reminded anew of the importance of making the LORD my dwelling place.

I’ve brought an old PIC back to the front of my file to help me with this. I pray Psalm 91:14-16 will be a blessing to you as well-

In Sunday’s sermon at First Baptist Simpsonville, our pastor posed a simple but helpful question as he continues to encourage us to feed our faith instead of fear. This is also helping me gauge how effectively I’m making the LORD my dwelling place-

Which do you share more, the bad news of the crisis or the good news of Christ?
-Wayne Bray

May it be you, LORD Jesus- today and in the days to come!