Psalm 90:1-2 - Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
In what kind of dwelling do you live? It may be a small apartment or a huge mansion or something in between. A dwelling place will usually meet a few basic requirements, at least we hope so. The place must be sturdy enough to provide shelter from weather. There is a need for safety, so a dwelling place may have strong doors and locks. We hope for a home that provides comfort, rest, and security
In the psalms, God is often described as a very secure shelter. He is "our refuge and strength ... our fortress" (Psalm 46:1b, 7b) and "the stronghold of my life" (Psalm 27:1b). God is "my rock ... my shield" (Psalm 18:2b). He is the One to whom we turn in times of trouble, in a crisis of fear or doubt or in days of grief and loss, because He has promised to help us: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15). We turn to our Lord in prayer and find comfort and encouragement in the promises of His Word.
In our psalm verses today, God is not described as a great stone fortress or secure stronghold. In these verses, the Lord is simply "our dwelling place." He is our fortress in times of trouble, but at all times, good and bad, we place our trust in Him. He is the Lord in whom "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28b). Just as we hope to find rest in our earthly homes after a long day, in God we find forgiveness, peace, and rest.
Jesus also spoke of Himself as the One in whom we dwell. He is the true Vine, our Source of life: "Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5b). He said, "If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31b-32). The Lord has been our dwelling place "before the mountains were brought forth," before He "formed the earth or the world." God chose us to be His own in Christ Jesus "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4b). Baptized in the Name of the Triune God, we are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection. We have been adopted as sons and daughters into the household of God. His Spirit dwells within us, and by faith we live in Him. Our dwelling place is secure, both now and forever, in the One who is God from everlasting to everlasting.
WE PRAY: My God and Savior, You are my dwelling place. In You I have rest and peace. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you like most about where you live? (You can name more than one thing.)
2. How does God provide for us beyond supplying material goods and physical shelter?
3. What is the ultimate security we know that we have in God?
Today's Bible Readings: Daniel 8-10 Philemon
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