As I prayed for a term to carry me through the year 2024, God impressed upon my heart the word “dwell.” So first off, I wanted to understand the meaning. Webster defines it this way: 1) to remain for a time; 2) to live as a resident; and 3) to keep the attention directed or speak or write insistently. The first part of my quest completed, now I needed to look at what the Bible says about the term.
Verses About Dwelling
I discovered many verses which talk about dwelling. As I studied them, I narrowed the list down to three that spoke to me the most.
- “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV).
- “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV).
- “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV).
From these verses, I love the picture it paints of our faith. Christ came down and dwelt among with us. If we accept Jesus, he comes and dwells in our hearts to teach us how to live a life pleasing to our father. Finally, as we dwell with God, he will lead us home to live out our eternity together. Christ lives with us, accepts us and teaches us so we can live with forever. But how do we dwell with God in our daily activities?
Dwell with God
When we dwell with God, we are conscious of his presence in our lives. We can describe this as a feeling of closeness or a sense of joy beyond our understanding. But I can also describe it as an awareness of his greatness, power, wisdom, and love. So, if we feel this kind of comfort in God’s presence, why don’t we spend more time with him?
A New Year to Dwell Closer
I want to spend more time dwelling with the Lord in 2024. And I want to feel and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit more every day of this year. So I plan to do this through daily praise and worship. Also, to use my words to bless others and not tear them down. Next, I will work to become salt and light to this generation and to love others the way Christ loves me. As the light of Christ dwells within my heart, I can reflect his light and love to all those around me.
So let’s enter 2024 by seeking Christ in all we do and say. We can start by humbling ourselves, asking for forgiveness, forgiving others, loving our neighbors as we seek a closer walk with our Heavenly Father.
Prayer
Please help me dwell more on you, Abba Father. And let me be good soil for Your Word to grow in. Let every word I speak and everything I do so that I reflect you to the world. Let my life bring forth good fruit. I want to live in perfect obedience to your glory and your wisdom. Amen.
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| Thanks, Yvonne M Morgan |
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Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Yes! I thought about how precious it is to dwell in His presence each day. There are days when I wish I could just stay there. Then I remind myself that I can, but I have to choose to do so. Being in His presence does not mean I have to cease everything else, just reprioritize a bit. God’s blessings ma’am.
So true JD. We need to prioritize the time and ways we dwell with Christ. Blessings to you JD.
This came at the right time for me, dwelling with God is my aim this new year, I pray God helps me in this. Thank you ma’am for this message. Ymay God bless you.
Thank you Chalwe. I pray you make more time to dwell with God. Blessings
Done
Mine is close. Faithfully following. Two words. God bless!
Good choice. Thanks Nancy and blessings
This is exactly the word of faith I have been searching and waiting for. I am claiming it for the manifestation of God’s promises in my life right away.
Amen. Blessings Peter
My word or phrase is healing and wholeness. I know it is God’s will for us to be in health but we need to receive what He has already done. I do need more insight and study to continue to push the mind and doubts out. I do like your word of dwell that is what we need to do in every area.
I like you words too Barbara. So important to seek healing and wholeness in our lives and our faith. Thanks for sharing. Blessings
Mine is “listen.” Off to look up verses on listening!
I love seeing everyone’ words. That’s a good one. I need to do better with listening especially for the small, still voice of God. Blessings Priscilla
“Let’s enter 2024 by seeking Christ in all we do and say.” What a wonderful goal for us to have for the New Year. Thank you for this inspiring and uplifting message.
Thanks Katherine. I pray you are able to seek Him in all you do and say in 2024. Blessings
Dwell. I love that word. Such a great message you have given us today. Thank you. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Thank you Melissa. I pray your day is blessed also. 🌞
Such a great reflection. The word “dwell” is so meaningful! Sometimes when I stretch, a position is hard or my muscles are tight, and pushing it can lead to injury. But when I surrender and allow myself to relax into that stretch, I go deeper. It reminds me a lot of what happens when we surrender and allow Christ to dwell in our lives and the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts.
Great analogy Jessica. It changes us when we surrender everything to Christ. Thank you and God bless.
Yvonne, I love your word for 2024. The meaning, the scriptures, and especially your heart’s desire to dwell closer to the Lord this year is so inspirational.
Thanks so much Karen. The more I dwell with Christ, the more peace I find in my life. I just need to be intentional about it. Blessings
What a gift to dwell with our triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! This is a wonderful word and reflection of Biblical truth. I pray to hunger more for the Savior and step away to rest and dwell at His feet. Thank you for this wonderful encouragement, Yvonne!
Thanks Melissa. Sitting at the feet of our Savior is a beautiful place to spend time. Blessings
Thanks for the reminder to dwell in God’s presence by spending time in His word so we can know Him better.
Thanks Joanna. Blessings