“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:6 part 2 (NIV)
Our human minds are so limited when it comes to the vastness of the dwelling place of God. Though the temple was a physical dwelling place of God’s presence in the time of David, his presence isn’t limited to a geographical place. It’s where his nature reigns and we are immersed in it with all our needs met with his bountiful provisions. In God’s house, our longings are satisfied with his love and care.
Philip Keller described how in his early years of working as a shepherd, his property was next to another shepherd and his flock. The sheep “next door” were neglected and weary due to lack of proper care by their owner. They were huddled together in their misery seemingly waiting to get out of the pen.
In the winter when nearby tides receded it sometimes allowed some of the abused sheep to break free and wander into the lush grasslands where Keller grazed his sheep. The sick sheep ate healthy grass they were unaccustomed to. This wreaked havoc on their stomachs. They should have been on dry food first so their systems could heal and adjust.
At this time of year it wasn’t uncommon for Keller to find some dead sheep belonging to the other shepherd on his land. He would pick them up and put them in a wheel barrow and take them back to their owner. This other shepherd was a heartless man who upon receiving the sheep, took out a sharp knife and slit their throats. Keller says,
“What a picture of Satan who holds ownership of so many.”
Isn’t this the truth! “Those sheep never came in by way of my gate,” Keller goes on to say, “or they would have been given the proper care they needed.”
They had never really become his. They were owned by someone else.
As God’s children, we know the safety and contentment of being in the Lord’s flock! Dwelling with God is where we want to be and he welcomes us into his presence anytime, anywhere.
What do you experience when you make time to dwell with God?
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