{"id":32439,"date":"2021-07-10T03:30:51","date_gmt":"2021-07-10T10:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=32439"},"modified":"2021-07-09T12:18:35","modified_gmt":"2021-07-09T19:18:35","slug":"july-10-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2021\/07\/10\/july-10-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"July 10, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cOne thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.\u201d<\/em> Psalm 27:4<\/p>\n

Dwelling<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Walk His Way Revisited<\/em><\/p>\n

Most of us have had the experience of house-hunting. Maybe our husband got a new job out of the area so we needed a home in a new city. Or we outgrew our current home when we had another child. Or we wanted a better place for our children to be raised. Or we have an empty nest now and don\u2019t need such a big house. Or we want to be closer to a beloved family member or friend.<\/p>\n

We look forward to the new place, because it solves a problem for us. Closer to work; more space\/less space; more favorable conditions; continuation of important relationships.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, when life gets really, really hard, we just want out. We want to go be with Jesus, where all will be well with our souls. Take me now, Lord. I\u2019m ready. Sick of this life and all its pain and sorrow.<\/p>\n

Before we take that thought to its obvious end (our death), let\u2019s consider David\u2019s words, quoted above. His desire was to live in the house of the Lord right now, at this moment on earth, every single day for the rest of his life. He wasn\u2019t saying, \u201cTake me out.\u201d He was saying, \u201cLet me be with You during\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

What a concept\u2014to dwell in the house of the Lord right here while living this life. To enjoy His presence as we go about our day. To be close enough to hear His voice when He speaks, even His whispers of wisdom, His private corrections, His affirmations of love. To be focused enough that we see His eyes looking in the direction we should look (Psalm 32:8: \u201cI will guide you with My eye\u201d<\/em>). These things happen when you live in close community with someone.<\/p>\n

Is it real? Is it too much to hope for? Is it possible to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives? Can we actually behold the beauty of the Lord, right here, right now? Can we really have conversation with Him, where we talk back and forth as if to a friend in the same room? Can we ask questions of Him, and expect an answer?<\/p>\n

Yes, we can. Scripture affirms that this is a normal Christian life, one that God has ordained and desires for us to experience while on this earth. He desires it for us, and desires it for Himself. David was declared \u201ca man after God\u2019s own heart\u201d<\/em> because he wanted what God Himself wanted: relationship and intimacy. \u201cBlessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 65:4).<\/p>\n

Lord, by Your Holy Spirit, cause us to approach You and dwell with You all the days of our lives. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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