STOP
To dwell in the sanctuary of the Lord. Wow! Can you imagine how awesome this would be? However, how often do we find ourselves dreaming of awesomeness here on Earth instead of the amazing dwelling that would happen with Jesus in our midst. Today, how can you rest in the thought of wanting to dwell in His presence instead of our own individualized dreamy dwellings? How can you get away from it all and
Try starting with this:
Lastly, imagine all of it, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists as dirt and dust that is surrounding the foundation to your house, your dwelling place. Dirt can help impact the foundation, or it can be fleeting and blown away by the wind and rain. Some of the things on your mind are like that: they can be truly impactful for the kingdom, and some can be let go of. We can rest in Jesus, knowing He can help us discern what is important and what he has already taken care of.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “O Lord, ”
As you exhale, pray, “may we dwell in your sanctuary”
As your inhale and exhale this prayer, make it a question, then make it a statement.
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you. Read it twice.
“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.”(Psalm 15 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Who may dwell in the house of the Lord? Who may live on his holy hill? Do you want to live in the presence of the Lord? There is safety and comfort in it. As you reflect on the psalm, there were some requirements to being in his presence. Is your walk blameless? Is what you do righteous? Do you speak truth from your heart? Do you allow slander from your speech? Do you wrong your friends in words or actions? Do you allow any slur about your neighbor to come from your lips? Do you truly despise evil? Do you find honor in those who fear the Lord, who keep their oath to the Lord? Do you keep your oath to the Lord? Even when it hurts? Do you lend money freely without desiring it back with interest? Do you ever accept bribes against your friends, even in jest? Are you building this type of character in order to have a strong firm foundation that will not be shaken?
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, go back through that list of characteristics that put you in position to dwell in his presence. Ask yourself this: If doing these sorts of works creates a foundation that won’t be shaken and allows us to dwell in His presence, what is holding us back from wanting that?
