DWELL

My soul is stirring between gratitude for my home and the instinct to run right out the front door. TIME during lockdown has allowed many of us to dwell, not just live in our spaces. And looking at King David’s words in Psalm 27:4 I feel the Lord whispering sweetness to my heart:

"One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple."

I have not ever spent this much time in my home. Before lockdown, I would rush in and out, on my way …..somewhere. 

Now, as I dwell, my home is starting to feel different. I use spaces differently. I notice things I hadn’t before.  I clean corners I didn’t know were dusty.  My people read, play, learn and grow in places that used to be empty. My counters are full with food prep and dishes.   We clean under dining tables daily after all the daily shared meals.  And, I am grateful for bathtubs, windows, my yard, flowers to water, and neighbors who call out over the shrubs.

I am more aware of my boundaries and much more in tune with the needs of my space.

Dwelling sounds like inactivity – like I should be doing, or even God is calling me to “more.”  But David; a man after God’s own heart writes, that he seeks to “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” 

These words I have read a 100 times but they feel so different after this experience. Heaven is dwelling with God. Knowing Him, and being known by Him. It’s resting in Christ’s sacrifice and God’s provision; knowing we are accepted completely. It’s dusting floors, reading, playing, watering flowers and eating meals with God our Father.  

And now I ask you (as I challenge myself daily): are you dwelling in your home or just living there during this time? And how does that change your perspective of Heaven? Can we find this dwelling place in our spirit this side of heaven? ...I hope so!

I painted the feeling of dwelling and trusting. While crazy things are going on, we have no control. BUT we know the ONE who is in control and we can dwell in His love and provision. 

Paintings and prints are for sale HERE.