Those Who Abide and to Dwell

‘…who shall abide…who shall dwell…’ (Psa 15:2)

Interesting the Psalmist does not direct this question to men nor himself but to God; it is a sincere man who enquires of the Lord who is it that He approves. We cannot be presumptuous about our standing in the Christ but truly desire to be a man or woman after His own heart. Dwelling and abiding is beyond the superficiality of just being recipients of blessing. With or without blessing we are to continue in that place of relationship. With or without the ‘fuzzy’ feeling and goose bumps of spiritual highs we are still in the place of abiding and dwelling. Having a spiritual stature that is steadfast and mature (Matt 5:48) beyond weighing of the mind and emotional sensing.

…..Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. (Exo 33:12)

Do we have a personal relationship where there is a knowing by name? It is as though ‘we find grace in God's sight, if we find grace in our hearts’ (Matthew Henry), a something inside of us unidentified by man but God knows exist. So as He is merciful to those who show mercy (Matt 5:7). A knowing that is rooted in the spiritual realm (Acts 4:13) undetected by men that demons know exist. In the normalcy of our earthly life, without any great achievements or accolades there is a thriving one-ness with Christ. Such a abiding and dwelling of I in Christ and He is in me! This is the place where Jesus High Priestly prayer is answered (John 17:21).

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (Php 3:18)

God is spirit (John 4:24) hence our new life is not of the will of man (John 1:13) which the cross serves to put away all that is not born of the spirit. The grace of God that operates beyond the boundary of the natural brings forth eternal life. Minding or setting our whole being on earthly graces has destruction as its end (Phil 3:20). There is an abiding and dwelling where exists a constant tension between being with Him forever and serving Him on earth (Php 1:23). The tension is no longer about sin and righteousness nor about heaven and earth. Even in that tension there is an abiding and dwelling having a true understanding in prayer of ‘Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth’ (Luke11:2).