The Invitation to Dwell

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

There is an open invitation for each one of us to respond to, and that invitation is from Jesus as He calls us to "dwell."

The Bible is actually full of Jesus’ invitations to dwell with Him, in His Word, and among His people—offering peace, righteousness, and an eternal dwelling place. This invitation to "dwell" is open to all who will respond. His call is open, personal, and life-changing.

No matter where you are in your life journey, Jesus extends His hand, inviting you into something greater than this world can offer. Today, let's look at four of these personal invitations to dwell.

The Bible speaks about dwelling in several ways—dwelling in God’s presence, God dwelling among His people, and our call to dwell in peace and righteousness. This theme runs throughout Scripture, offering us as believers encouragement, security, and hope for eternity.

Let’s explore these aspects of dwelling according to God’s Word.

1. We Are Invited to Dwell in God’s Presence
   The Bible frequently calls us as believers to dwell in God’s presence for security, peace, and guidance. To dwell in God’s presence means to remain in close fellowship with Him, finding protection and peace. 
   
   “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High [El Elyon] shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty [El Shaddai].” Psalm 91:1 
   
   “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4
   
   Jesus calls us to abide in Him, staying connected to His life-giving power. When we dwell in Him, we find strength, peace, and the ability to bear spiritual fruit.
   
   
2. God Dwells Among His People
   From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is to dwell among His people. He has always sought to be near His creation, guiding, protecting, and ultimately redeeming us.
   
   “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
   
   The Tabernacle symbolized God’s presence dwelling among Israel. In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus Christ.
   
   “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” John 1:14
   
   Jesus, God in the flesh, came to dwell among us, demonstrating God’s love and closeness. This promise culminates in eternity:
   
   "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.” Revelation 21:3
   
   In eternity, God will fully dwell with His redeemed people forever, bringing complete restoration and joy.
   
   
3. Scripture Speaks of Believers Dwelling in Peace and Righteousness
   We, as believers, are called to dwell in places of peace, righteousness, and trust in God. God’s desire is for His people to experience security and harmony.
   
   “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18
   
   God promises a future where His people will live in peace and security, trusting in Him completely.
   
   “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” Psalm 37:3
   
   Dwelling in faithfulness means living in trust and obedience to God, embracing His ways as our foundation.
   
   
4. Our Eternal Dwelling Awaits Us
   The ultimate dwelling place for believers is with God forever. While our earthly homes are temporary, God has prepared an eternal home for us.
   
   “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
   
   Our true dwelling is not on earth but with God in eternity. This assurance brings hope and confidence to every believer.
   
   “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
   
   David expresses the joy of dwelling in God’s presence, knowing that His goodness and mercy will never end.

So, how do we dwell with God today?

• Spend time in His Word – Let Scripture shape your thoughts and actions.
• Pray continually – Stay in conversation with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Live in obedience – Walking in His ways ensures we dwell in His presence.
• Trust in His promises – Rest in the assurance that He is our dwelling place (Psalm 90:1).

God calls us to dwell in His presence, trust in His promises, and look forward to the eternal home He has prepared for us from before the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34). May we seek to abide in Him daily, knowing that He dwells among us and desires a close relationship with His people.

What does it truly mean for you to dwell in God’s presence daily, and how might your life change if you made Him your constant dwelling place?