Finding Peace in His Presence
Making God Your Dwelling Place
by Dr. Gladys Childs
The week before my brother died, I was reminded of our longing for a place of peace—a place where we can dwell securely—just as God invites us to dwell in His presence.
As cancer burned through his body, my brother shared a strange, fragile longing with his wife: “I want to go to Oklahoma.”
She looked at him, confused. “Why Oklahoma?”
His voice was barely a breath. “It’s my home.”
Perplexed by her husband’s request, my sister-in-law called me—her voice thin, searching. “Did you two ever live there?”
I closed my eyes, memories flickering like a home movie.
“Yes,” I said quietly. “When we were little.”
As young children with an alcoholic mother, our lives in Oklahoma represented the part of our childhood that was safe and secure. It was a happy time, before our mom began drinking. In the middle of my brother’s intense suffering, he longed for one thing: to return home. And my brother’s longing—it is a desire we all share, one which parallels our spiritual quest for a relationship with God that is so close, it feels like home. A place where we are known and loved and where God invites us into his presence.
What It Means to Dwell with God
What does it mean to “dwell”? The concept of dwelling encompasses a sense of stability and a feeling of belonging. Deep down, each of us longs to find a place where we feel rooted, secure, and connected. The search for belonging and stability is deeply ingrained in every person, transcending cultures, ages, and circumstances. This universal yearning for stability often leads us to seek a safe place to land, reliable relationships, and steadfast faith. Psalm 62:2 echoes this sentiment: “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” The psalmist finds stability, not in life’s flux, but in God’s unchanging nature. All other sources of stability and security will fall short, leaving us empty. Only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ offers us security amidst chaos, true peace, and a solid foundation.
Dwelling with God in Scripture
In the Scriptures, “dwelling” conveys a rich tapestry of meanings, ranging from physical habitats in the Old Testament to the abiding presence of God with his people through the Holy Spirit beginning at Pentecost. Consider the following passages, which reveal God’s heart for dwelling with his people and his invitation into a deeper relationship with him in our lives.
1. God’s Dwelling Place with His People
“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and all its furniture, so you shall make it” (Exodus 25:8-9).
While wandering in the wilderness, God instructed the Israelites to build the Tabernacle, a tangible symbol of his presence. It served as a powerful reminder that he desired to be close to his people, guiding and protecting them.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
This verse reveals Jesus Christ’s incarnation (God coming to dwell among us) and demonstrates his love and commitment to redeem humanity.
2. The Human Heart as God’s Dwelling Place
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Paul is writing to the believers in Corinth, reminding them of the precious truth that as believers, they are the temple of God because his Spirit lives within them. This passage illustrates the intimate relationship between believers and God, highlighting the transformation and sanctification that come from his indwelling presence.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24).
For believers, these Scriptures acknowledge God’s indwelling presence within us through the Holy Spirit and reveal that our hearts are open to his scrutiny. Just as a dwelling place is intimately known by its inhabitants, so the heart of each believer is known by God, who resides within it.
3. An Eternal Dwelling with God
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘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).
This promise offers a glimpse into the future, a time when God will dwell among his people in the new heaven and new earth, where believers will experience eternal communion and joy, free from the sorrows and pains of this current world.
“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
The future glory awaiting believers transcends our current comprehension. God’s presence and the fulfillment of his promises exceed our wildest dreams, offering a glimpse into eternity’s unfathomable beauty.
The theme of dwelling in the Bible encompasses God’s presence in a physical tabernacle among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers after Pentecost, and the future hope of living in God’s eternal presence. These passages remind us that our ultimate home is not found in this world but in the presence of God, where we are fully known and loved.
Finding Security and Peace in His Presence
Experiencing God as our ultimate home and refuge brings comfort during life’s storms. It’s like discovering a place where you’re safe, understood, and unconditionally loved, and that place is found by abiding in his presence. Imagine returning home after a wearying journey, feeling relief wash over you when you enter the door. This is the sense of refuge in God—where burdens, fears, and worries can be surrendered.
God is not just our refuge in crises but in everyday challenges. His grace is sufficient when we feel overwhelmed and need guidance and comfort. God invites us to dwell in his presence, finding shelter and experiencing peace no matter what comes our way. This perspective shifts how we approach life’s ups and downs. Instead of being swayed by every wind of circumstance, we can remain anchored in the knowledge that we have a secure place in God. We can find the courage to live with open hearts, willing to engage with the world from a place of security and love rather than fear or scarcity.
Experiencing God as our home and refuge shapes our interactions with others, compelling us to extend his hospitality, love, and grace to those around us. In doing so, we reflect God’s heart to the world, inviting others into the warmth and safety of his love.
Ultimately, embracing God as our home and refuge fills us with hope. The security of a relationship with God assures us that no matter the journey, we have a destination where we are fully known, deeply loved, and eternally safe. It’s a powerful reminder that our lives are held by a loving God who is not only our destination but our guide along the way.
How would envisioning God as your ultimate home and refuge change how you approach life’s challenges and interact with those around you?
Dwelling with God in Everyday Life
1. Set Aside Daily Quiet Time
Schedule a specific time each day to spend alone with God—in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Use this time for prayer, reading the Bible, and listening to what God may be speaking to your heart.
2. Create a Sacred Space
Designate a quiet corner or room in your home where you can retreat for prayer and Scripture meditation. Decorate the space with items that inspire you spiritually, such as candles, religious artwork, or uplifting quotes.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Be present in the moment and aware of God’s presence throughout your day. Whether washing dishes, walking in nature, or sitting in traffic, acknowledge God’s nearness and thank him for his constant companionship.
4. Study the Scriptures
Delve into God’s Word regularly, seeking to understand his character, his promises, and his will for your life. Reflect on how biblical stories and teachings apply to your circumstances and experiences.
5. Practice Gratitude
Cultivate a thankful heart by regularly expressing gratitude to God for his big and small blessings. Keep a gratitude journal or make it a habit to thank God throughout your day.
6. Serve Others
Seek practical ways to serve and show love to those around you, recognizing that every act of kindness is an opportunity to glorify God and reflect his love to others.
7. Stay Connected to a Christian Community
Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage, support, and hold you accountable in your faith journey. Participate in small groups, Bible studies, or church activities to foster spiritual growth and fellowship.
By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can deepen our connection with God and experience the abundant life he offers. Remember: It’s not about perfection, but a continual pursuit of intimacy with the Creator who loves us beyond measure.
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of life, God Himself invites us to dwell—to remain rooted in Him, not just in theory, but in the middle of our real, messy stories. He calls us to make our home in His presence, where we find lasting peace, identity, and belonging.
Just as my brother, in his final days, longed for the peace and security of Oklahoma, our spirits, too, yearn for an eternal dwelling place with God, where every tear is wiped away, and joy knows no bounds. This longing is not just a distant dream but a present reality as we make God our refuge and strength, our steadfast rock in times of turmoil. Through intentional practices, we can nurture our relationship with God, finding peace and purpose in his presence. Let us embrace the journey, knowing we are forever rooted, secure, and connected in God.
Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, and pastor’s wife. @drgladyschilds
Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version of the Bible.