A Place To Dwell

To dwell is to live or stay in a particular place. In many ways, the greater the resources, the “better” the place can be.

I must work to pay for the safest, most comfortable physical dwelling my earnings can provide.

Regardless of where I physically live, the real me is always with me.

So I must also work for the safest, most comfortable emotional, mental, and spiritual place my efforts can provide.

The Price to Dwell

There’s a cost to live in safety and peace.

Thankfully, God provides the answers in the Bible and through my life experiences.

And I have to do my part. I’ve found the more I work at it, the more often I feel safe and peaceful, and the longer I stay in that mindset.

Finding a Place to Dwell

Here are some verses that help me dwell – abide – in safety and peace.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3

Trusting is easy until things don’t go my way, or when something difficult or tragic occurs. It takes all of my will (and asking God for the ability) to make a conscious decision to trust.

Doing good for show can boost my ego. But the more important change is the boost to my character when I choose to let go of my ego, and do good to everyone. Even people who have mistreated me.

And I’m thankful God provides a safe place for me to dwell.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18

It is as equally difficult for me to let go of the pain of the past, as it is to stop wishing for the good old days to return.

But if I continue to roll the past over in my mind, and feel the emotions of events long over, I lose today and all it holds. God helps me let go of the past and live in today.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Whatever I focus on, becomes bigger. And to have peace and not lose the goodness of today, I need to focus on the things God says will help me dwell in the ultimate place of safety and peace:

His presence.

What helps you choose where you dwell?

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Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.