One night, I found myself awake, obsessing over a troubling situation. When I
realized what was going on in my mind, I told myself, "That is not where I
live!" And I turned to Psalm 84.
Psalm 84:1,4 – How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Blessed are
those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (NIV)
My Father's presence: that's where I'd rather be. That's where I belong as a
child of God. And so, when I remembered where I live, all the distressing
thoughts were replaced by kingdom thoughts — which were so delightful and
restful. I could sleep again.
So, where do you live? You may be thinking of your street and city. But I'm
thinking of your fixed address — the place where you dwell regardless of your
position on any map. It's where God dwells. Is your spiritual residence here
with God? This is where He brings His precious ones when He adopts them as His
own. Here is where they'd rather dwell than anywhere else:
Psalm 84:10 – Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I
would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of
the wicked. (NIV)
Where else can we experience such lavish, day-to-day blessings as in the
presence of God? Where else can we find meaning and purpose as children of a
glorious, eternal promise? Here is where we feel secure, regardless of how
others treat us. Here is where we experience the love and forgiveness of our
heavenly Father. This is the only "address" where we can find the power to live
victoriously.
Oh, how easily we forget where we live. Our minds get drawn into other places.
Thankfully, we have many opportunities to strengthen the habit of returning
home. Whenever we're surrounded by situations that create confusion or a flurry
of activity, we need only centre ourselves at our fixed address, and we'll find
the power to stay poised in the midst of it all. Whenever troubling thoughts
consume our mind, we can say, "That is not where I live!" And then, we turn
towards home, close the door behind us, and breathe a deep breath. Ahhh! We are
alone with our Father. It's calm and quiet here. Nothing can disturb us in this
place of quiet rest near to the heart of God. Our Father is right here. And
regardless of circumstances, we find comfort and strength in His presence. This
is home, our fixed address. This is where we'd rather be above all else.
Psalm 84:2 – My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart
and my flesh cry out for the living God. (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, when our attention strays from home, please draw us back to Your
dwelling, that we may once again be filled with praise. Amen.
Diane Eaton
Kincardine, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to PresbyCan Daily Devotional
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