The Importance of Dwelling in God

Dwell - Verb - to live in; think, speak, or write in length about a particular subject; to be fully present in a place or with a person.

The Hebrew word for "dwell" is "yashabh" which translates "to sit down." It is reported over 400 times in the Bible and is also translated as "sit", "abide", "inhabit" and "remain."

I know, I know. I use definitions a lot. The thing is, in my own journey through the Bible, I have found a dictionary (both a Biblical Dictionary and the good ol' Oxford Dictionary) to be one of my best companions. The more that we can break things down and understand their true meaning, the more we are able to absorb and hold on to what God is sharing with us. Honestly, I have read and re-read parts of the Bible and come away with different understandings or insights each and every time. Note taking and journaling when studying the Bible helps to keep my thoughts about a certain passage, verse, or chapter organized and it's great to be able to go back and draw from my notes (and notes from my Pastor, Sunday School teacher, small group leader, etc.).

So, why dwell in God? What does it look like to dwell in God? God is our literal life source. We were created from his very breath and in his image - WOAH. Seriously, though. Genesis gives us this right in the beginning book of the Bible in the Story of Creation (Genesis 1-2).

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;" - Genesis 1:27.

"then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." - Genesis 2:7

I came across this wonderful analogy on Pinterest - author unknown - however; it's too good to not share:

When God created the fish, he spoke to the sea.

When God created trees, he spoke to the earth (soil, ground).

BUT, when God created man, He turned to HIMSELF.

If you take a fish out of water, it will die.

If you remove a tree from the earth, out of the ground and soil, it too, will die.

Just the same, when man is disconnected from God, he dies. God is our natural . We were created to live in his presence and for his glory. We have to be connected to Him because it is only in Him that life exists.

Water without fish is still water, but fish without water is nothing.

The soil without a tree is still soil, but a tree without soil is nothing.

God without man is still God, but man without God is nothing.

Dwelling in God means that we are active in reading his Word, praying and communicating with Him throughout our day. Leaning into Him in our time of need. Relaying on Him for guidance and trusting that He will provide. He will provide. God knows our story from beginning to end. The answer may not always be what we think is best, but rest assured that in following God's lead through truly dwelling within Him, your life will abundantly rich in ways that the world cannot provide.

So, today, sweet friend, sit with God. Dwell with Him and allow Him to dwell within you. Read your Bible and seek his truth and direction for your life. Pray continually and in all circumstances. Give praise to the Lord for his truly wonderful and beautiful creation.

Bountiful Blessings and Glorious Grace Upon You!

Kasey