DWELL HERE
God said, “Ask my beloved where they dwell. I have room for them!”
Hi, beautiful one! Can you believe we’re already in December? I still feel as if celebrating my birthday in March was just yesterday. Not to mention it was the same month that chaos hit. Yet, here we are, 9 months later in anticipation of the days to come. Can I share something with you that will help ease your mind? You’re reading this and you’re breathing, alive and well. In the name of Jesus, you are safe!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalms 91:1-2
A pandemic, racism, brutal politics…through it all where have you been dwelling? I’m referencing your soul, your heart, and your mind; three of the most important elements of your being. Now ask yourself, “Where am I dwelling?” Whatever your answer is, God will always make room for you. How do I know? I know because I take Him up on His offer - I make a decision to dwell in Him, no matter what surrounds me, I shelter with God and I am safe.
This year has been a trying one for all of us. I know visions seem blurry to the point of seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. I know you may still be asking God why is this happening. I know you feel lost, and the place you’re in seems so dark. I know you’re scared. I know you cry yourself to sleep almost every night. I know you feel like there’s no such thing as hope. I know you think that your faith isn’t as strong as you thought. I know you have shunned help from others. I know you question who God says He is. I know you’re anxious about what’s next. I know you feel worthless. I know you feel rejected. I know you feel overlooked. I know you’ve lost some things and some people. I know you find it hard to believe in yourself.
I know because I’ve once dwelled there. Though, now I dwell here - trusting God by allowing Him to be my refuge and fortress. He made room for me. I moved in with Him once I learned to accept His love. Regardless of what things look like on the outside, I know in Him all my ashes turn into beauty. Had I not experienced what I have experienced I would not be in a place to share hope with you. I would not be able to tell you that you’ll get through this. I would not be able to tell you that God is carrying you. I would not be able to tell you to let go and just rest in His presence. I would not be able to tell you to trust His heart and believe it will all work together for your good. I would not be able to tell you that it’s actually working for your good at this very moment. I would not be able to tell you that God hasn't forgotten about you. I would not be able to tell you that you will pass this test. I would not be able to tell you I believe in you. I would not be able to tell you that God would love for you to dwell with Him so that He can keep you safe.
Yet, I am able and He desires to speak to you. He wants you to pack all your bags and move in! Our Father, our refuge, our safe place has room. While at His feet, He provided me with wisdom and knowledge - “V, you have experienced and will continue experiencing things so I assemble you to dwell here. I need you to share My hope with the world.”
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I know it seems there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, but…
Then Jesus again spoke to them saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. John 8:12
Why is this happening? I don’t know, but…
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
I know you feel lost, and the place you’re in seems dark, but…
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4
I know you’re scared, but…
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
I know you cry yourself to sleep every night, but…
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
I know you’re doubting hope, but…
“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I know you feel like your faith is weak, but…
And he said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,” you will say to the mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. Matthew 17:20
I know you haven’t accepted help from others, but…
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
I know you question who God says He is, but…
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16
I know you’re anxious about what’s next, but…
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I know you feel worthless, rejected, and overlooked, but…
She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares to her. Proverbs 3:15
I know you’ve lost some things and people, but…
Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the creeping locust, the stripping locust and the gnawing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; then my people will never be put to shame. Joel 2:25-26
I know you find it hard to believe in yourself, but…
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Oh, the troubles of this world, but…GOD! He literally hears and answers us. It’s an overwhelming feeling just to know that He desires us to dwell with Him. At times our lives can feel upside down, but we have a safe place to dwell - with The One who gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for us - even in all of our mess He sees beauty.
It reminds me of the home I grew up in, which happens to be the photo I chose for this. The outside may look like chaos to some, but what went on in the inside is what truly mattered. I was safe dwelling here; tons of love, obedience, and trust in God. There may be chaos surrounding you, though your inside elements (soul, heart, mind) are safe when you move in with Him. The most comfortable home ever with good foundation - He’s ready for you to dwell here…He has room for you!
XoXo, V