AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER. (Psalm 23:6c).
Praise and adoration be to the Lord Almighty for bringing us to the last month of the year 2023. Left to the devil, none of us would have seen this month of December. Give the Lord who has been our Shepherd, throughout the year, a high praise. He has protected, provided, healed, and blessed us in divers’ ways, to Him alone be all glory, all honor, and adoration forever and ever, Amen.
Psalm 23 that has been the anchor for our monthly themes in the year 2023, and the last phrase says, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23:6c
The phrase “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” is a powerful expression of faith and hope. The “house of the Lord” refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the physical center of worship for the Israelites. However, the psalmist is not simply talking about a physical place. He is talking about a state of being, a place where he is always aware of God’s presence and feels His love and protection. It speaks to the deep longing of the psalmist to be in the presence of God, to experience His love and care, and to be surrounded by His goodness and mercy.
Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” This is a reminder that Christians are not just physical beings, but also spiritual beings. Just as the temple in Jerusalem was a place where God’s presence was especially felt, so too are we, as Christians, the dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. This means we are called to live in a way that is worthy of God, to reflect His love and goodness in all that we do.
The promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is a reminder that God is our eternal home. No matter what we go through in this life, we can always find solace and peace in His presence. He is our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in times of need.
So, let us pray that we, too, may dwell in the house of the Lord forever and that we may experience the fullness of His love and joy in this life and in eternity.
EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD IN THE BIBLE.
The Bible mentions several individuals who can be considered examples of those who dwelt in the house of the Lord. These individuals were characterized by their deep devotion to God, their unwavering faith, and their commitment to living a righteous life.
King David (Psalm 27:4): is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. He was a man after God’s own heart, known for his piety, humility, and love for God. David spent much of his time in prayer and worship, and he sought God’s guidance in all things. He is considered a model of what it means to dwell in the house of the Lord.
Samuel was a prophet and judge in Israel (1 Samuel 15:22): He was a man of integrity and great spiritual insight. Samuel was known for his close relationship with God, and he was often consulted by the people of Israel for guidance. He is another example of someone who dwelt in the house of the Lord.
Elijah was a prophet during a time of great apostasy in Israel (1 King 18: 19-22): He was a fearless advocate for God’s truth, and he was not afraid to stand up to evil. Elijah had a powerful encounter with God on Mount Carmel, and he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11-12). He is an example of someone who was completely committed to living a life for God.
Daniel was a Jewish youth who was taken captive to Babylon (Daniel 1:8; 6: 10-28): He served in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, and he was known for his wisdom and integrity. Daniel refused to compromise his faith, even in the face of death. He is an example of someone who remained faithful to God even in difficult circumstances.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a woman of great faith and humility (Luke 1:26-38): She was chosen by God to be the mother of His Son, and she bore this responsibility with great dignity and grace. Mary is an example of someone who was completely surrendered to God’s will.
These are just a few examples of individuals who dwelt in the house of the Lord in the Bible. Their lives serve as an inspiration to us all, and they teach us what it means to have a close and intimate relationship with God.
HOW DO WE DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD?
Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is a metaphor for having a close and intimate relationship with God. It is about being constantly in His presence, seeking His guidance, and experiencing His love and mercy.
Here are some ways to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
1. Pray regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1): Prayer is a way to communicate with God and to express our love and devotion to Him. When we pray, we are opening our hearts to Him and inviting Him into our lives.
2. Read the Bible (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2): The Bible is God’s word to us. It is a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance. When we read the Bible, we are learning about God and His character, and we are also drawing closer to Him.
3. Attend church regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25, Matthew 18:20): Church is a place where we can worship God with others and learn more about Him. It is also a place where we can find support and encouragement from other believers.
4. Serve others. (1 Peter 4:10–11, Philippians 2:3–8) Serving others is a way to show God’s love to the world. When we serve others, we are putting our faith into action and making a difference in the lives of others.
5. Obey God’s commandments (1 John 5:3, Isaiah 1:19): Obeying God’s commandments is a way of showing our love and respect for Him. When we obey Him, we are demonstrating our trust in Him and our willingness to follow His guidance.
By following these steps, we can draw closer to God and experience the fullness of His love and joy. Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is a lifelong journey, but it is a journey worth taking.
WHAT CAN DEBAR ONE FROM DWELLING IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD?
There are several actions or behaviors that can prevent someone from having a close and intimate relationship with God. These actions are often seen as contrary to the principles of love, righteousness, and holiness that God upholds.
1. Unconfessed and unrepentant sin (Psalm 32:1-4).
2. Pride and arrogance (Proverbs 16:18).
3. Unforgiveness and bitterness (Matthew 6:14-15, Hebrews 12:15).
4. Lack of faith and trust (Hebrews 11:6).
5. Love of the world and its possessions (1 John 2:15-17).
It is important to note that each person’s journey with God is unique, and there may be other things that are holding us back. The important thing is to be honest with ourselves about our sins and shortcomings, and to seek God’s help in overcoming them.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior, you need to repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ for forgiveness through His blood, and open the door of your heart for Him, for His Spirit to dwell in you (Revelation 3:20).
PRAYERS
1. Father, I give you thanks for all You have done for me from January through November, and for what You will do in the remaining days of this year.
2. Father, forgive me all my sins and let me dwell in Your House forever, in Jesus’ Name.
3. Father, please make me and my family Your Temple, in Jesus’ Name.
4. Father let everyone of my expectations be fulfilled before the end of this year in Jesus’ name.
5. Father, You are a covenant keeping God, help me to be able to fulfill my part of the covenant in Jesus’ name.
6. I decree and declare that every good thing that belongs to me shall locate me before the end of the year in the mighty name of Jesus.
7. Thank You, LORD, for answered prayers. You crowned the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.
Welcome to the month of December 2023. May the presence of the good Shepherd continue to abide with us, and we in Him, in Jesus’ mighty name.
Yours in the Lord,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
