Although we live in a physical realm, in bodies made of earthen material, we also inhabit a spiritual realm. In both of these realms, our growth and survival depend on appropriate nourishment. The feeding of our physical bodies usually is not an issue; it is in the feeding of our souls that we sometimes encounter 'malnourishment'.
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Jeremiah 2:13
"For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water."
Many of us assume that we can drink from the presence of the Lord and then do works of ministry, perform job duties, participate in missions, and enjoy a happy family life, ad infinitum. We set up our "tents", or dwelling places, at our jobs, our homes, or our ministries, and believe that when spiritually thirsty, we can simply go to the Fountain of living waters and take a few sips to wet our lips or maybe even to fill our cups. Then we return to our dwelling places (jobs, family life, or ministries), only to take a few sips of the water now and then to "survive." And on the cycle goes.
Instead of this way of living, it is God's desire for us to make our dwelling place (singular) His presence--and stay there, encamped with Him. As we remain with Him, He will irrigate us with His living water. Then from our encampment, His presence, we can engage in our jobs, family life, ministry, or other needed activities. When we begin to get thirsty, God's presence can thoroughly fill us because we are still encamped in Him.
Above all else, His heart's cry is for us to be with Him! He wants to commune with us in a mutual, loving fellowship, the kind that was lost in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned. From that place of communal companionship, we will journey on, with Him leading us and providing for our every need, just as He did for the Israelites in their wilderness wanderings.
Let us briefly examine a few Psalms that encourage us to make Almighty God our place of habitation.
Frank has been teaching the Bible in churches and other venues for more than 20 years. He is currently the Ministry Resources Director at Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Virginia Beach, Va. He is an employee at Regent University in the Information Technology Department. Frank is married and lives in Virginia Beach.
