I love our language. It’s so cool when words actually have a sound that matches their meaning. Take the word “agitate.” Doesn’t it just sound agitating? A-GI-TATE! All those harsh sounds in three short bursting syllables.
To me, the word dwell is the same way. Dwell. It just sounds like what it means.
“To live or stay as a permanent resident; reside (another great word). To live or continue in a given condition or state. To linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech or writing.” When I hear the word Dwell, I see one of those time-lapse videos of a cross-section of a pot with soil in it and seeing the roots of the plant growing down deeper and deeper. Dwell: roots going down.
I don’t know what you’re idea of a great house is. The photo above is probably one idea of mine. The cool natural wood. The contemporary design. This is a place I could see putting down deep roots. I could Dwell (linger over) in a place like this. How about you? Where do you Dwell?
If God were to grant you one thing what would you ask for? Just one thing. Remember Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived? He asked for wisdom and because he asked for wisdom God granted him many other things as well.
But what about David? What one thing did David (who was a man after God’s own heart) ask for? Just one thing. Psalm 27:4. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; that I may DWELL in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
In the house of the Lord there is no stress. There is no want. And if there are any unanswered questions, it’s okay because hey…you’re in the house of the Lord. He’s got it covered. Since moving to New York, I’ve had the experience of driving to New York City and I’ve experienced taking the train to New York City. The train is so much more enjoyable because someone else is driving and making all the decisions. All I have to do is go along for the ride.
Same goes for dwelling in the house of the Lord. When that’s where you choose to put your faith; where you choose to put down your roots, you’re in a much better place. Dwell: roots going down.
What ONE THING are you asking of Him today?
Where are you dwelling today?
God does not drive the train, you have to name your own destination and keep track.