Discover His heart: His Presence provides a restful place for the whole being
@ Psalm 84
Tired from the hustle and bustle of life? Looking for the ultimate travel destination for the total serenity of body, soul and spirit? Well, just visit Psalm 84. It’s all there and then some! “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord…I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul…Even the sparrow finds a home…What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.”(1-4) A lovely place for the whole being, complete with birds, joy, singing and praises…that’s for me! Where is it and how do I get there?
The other day I was sitting in a very crowded, noisy restaurant. With babies screaming, waitresses flying back and forth and dishes clattering, it was difficult to think much less carry on a conversation. Amidst all this chaos sat a woman at the table next to me reading a book. I couldn’t help but wonder how she could turn down the volume in the room to concentrate and found myself occasionally glancing back at this phenomenon. She sat with a slight smile as she read something that obviously delighted her, oblivious to all those around her. I don’t know where she was, but I know it was a good place.
It was in a good place where the writer of Psalm 84 desired to be, God’s dwelling place of peace and joy, so much so that he was faint with longing for it, a longing I have known as well. But, like the woman in the restaurant, when life has gotten chaotic and crowded with hardly a moment to think, I have found Him amidst all the commotion. When I tune out the noise, turn off my racing mind and call on Him, I realize that the place where I find myself is His sanctuary, and He has been there all along. There I sit, oblivious to the chaos and obviously delighted with Him. “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8)
When we need a respite for the body, soul and spirit, there’s a good place we can go. When we need communion with the One who knows us better than any other, there’s a good place we can go. When we find ourselves so full of thanksgiving and praise that we think we may burst, there’s a good place we can go. And He’s as close as the mention of His name.
Moving Forward: When the hustle and bustle of life crowd my space, I’ll find His presence and receive His rest.
Tomorrow @ Proverbs 11-12
Phyllis Benigas 