“For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent (dwelling)” (Psalm 91:9-10).
It is striking, that in just two Psalms the writers speak of dwelling in God, of God as being the place of dwelling. I am reminded of Paul’s words in the book of Acts, where he says, “In Him we live and move and are (or have our being).” Yet what the Psalmist speaks of is not general in nature, as pertaining to all men; but specifically points to a man who has entered into a unique and rare relationship with God. You actually live in God.
It is true, that for the New Testament Christian, we are in Christ. God has taken us as it were, and inserted us into the Lord Jesus. That is so, yes; but as to how a man lives it may not be. Truth is one thing; recognizing it and living it is quite another. God is a Person for sure, but He is also a place. The actual word means an abode, or home; specifically, a retreat. It is a place to which a man goes, and in which he spends his life.
Deeper still is the word from which maween is derived; and this I think best describes what the writer means. The word is ona and apparently means “to dwell together; sexual (cohabitation)–as in the duty of marriage.” Perhaps this captures it best because it paints a man’s relationship with God as one of intimacy. That the church is the bride of Christ, that we have been joined to Jesus as in a marriage (Romans 7:4), further proves the point.
What then does dwelling together look and feel like? The example of marriage answers these questions.
First of all, you are committed to one another; it is “until death do we part.” It is “in sickness and health, for better or worse.” Dwelling in God begins with a firm, life-long commitment; one from which you hold fast and protect.
Second, you live together; you’ve everything in common. You share a home, responsibilities, and resources. You look out for one another, take care of one another. You eat and sleep together. You share not only your hopes and dreams, but your struggles. There is a mutual attitude of trust, acceptance, and forgiveness. Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians describes your modus operandi. Each of you has the other’s best interest in mind. You lay down your life for each other.
Third, you share an intimacy that is strictly reserved for marriage–that is, sexual intercourse. Designed by God both for procreation and pleasure, intercourse is where the two of you come together in a physical union that can only be described as a oneness. In fact, it may be that the Scripture, in saying the “two shall become one,” actually refers to this act.
These things being said, dwelling in God is not necessarily something you do just in your morning (or evening) devotions; it’s not to be found only while in prayer or worship. No, it is a lifestyle, a manner of life. It is a heart condition, a mindset, a state of being. Everything characteristic of a marriage characterizes life in God.
It is interesting to consider for a moment dwelling in God as a verb rather than a noun–as in a place you live.
By definition, as a verb to dwell on something or someone is to be thinking, speaking, or writing with a focused attention. It is to linger. Thus, with God as your dwelling place, it is on Him you’ve set the eyes of your heart. It is “looking to Jesus.” It is keeping Him foremost in your thinking throughout the days of your life.
I think as well of Jesus words in John chapter 15, where our Lord says, “Abide in Me.” Kenneth Wuest rightly renders Jesus’ saying as “Maintain a living communion with Me.” The Amplified Bible picks up more the meaning as seen in Psalm 91, translating His words as “Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you” (verse 4). A few verses down Jesus says, “If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me} . . . ” Here again is the idea of a vital union with God–you live in Him, with Him, and for Him.
The wonder of Psalm 91 goes further in describing the security of such a place in God. It promises deliverance, health, safety, and help–all of which derives from making God your habitation, your place of refuge. These things are desirable, for sure; but I told the Lord this morning that being with Him tops all these. Just let me live with You as these words describe and I shall be satisfied. Do I need and want the benefits? You bet I do, yet these are outcomes not goals. The focus is the Lord Himself.
I know I’ve not scratched the surface of what God intends here, neither in thought nor–especially–in the real time of life. But this is what I want, this is what I choose. Not as in just today, but as in a marriage, which during a few moments a lifetime is charted. When you finally say the “I do” you know with whom you will live until the day you die. This is what I mean. Not as if I’ve never before made this commitment, because I have. Plus I’ve reiterated it many times over. But let me say it again today; allow me to restate my vows. Today I choose You, O God. Today I say, “I do” to You. Therefore, You are my Dwelling Place, the One in whom and with whom I shall live the balance of my days.