Husband and I are thinking of moving. So, of course, I have been looking online and dreaming about what my ideal home would look like. The kitchen would overlook the fenced in backyard where there is a deck and lots of grass for the children to run and play freely. Inside, the kitchen would open into the dining space because that is where people enjoy congregating. All of our friends and their kids could spread out in this space. Nearby would be a playroom where we could easily hear and check-in on the children, but they’d still have their own space. But that would still be separate from the living room where the sitting area and television would reside.
At least two bedrooms for the children, but they’d all share one bathroom. Husband and I, on the other hand, would have our own bathroom in our bedroom next to our large walk-in closet. Why do I need a large walk-in closet? So that I don’t have to see any of the clothes or dressers while I’m resting because my bedroom would be my special space of calm.
Somewhere in the house – not in the kitchen – would be the washer and dryer. They would have their own room with cute signs labeling all the cleaning supplies and a table or counter where I would fold all the clothes while they are still warm. I would be so good at laundry because of my perfectly kept laundry space. Apparently this space would turn me into a completely different person because it would be so perfect.
All my dreaming does not create a space that is actually perfect. Perfection is found only in the Lord. In Psalm 46, the psalmist goes on to speak about the holy habitation of the Most High. If we look into the new testament scriptures, we know that the river who makes us glad is the Holy Spirit.
After reading that God is our refuge and strength, this is so comforting! He makes us – His church – His habitation. And helps us there. When I first read this, the first thing that I thought of was heaven, where God resides. However, when reading it altogether, He does not have to “help” heaven when morning dawns. Heaven is a perfect place that is full of His presence.
His people, however, are in constant need of Him. He makes us glad in His refuge. He is always with us. We are not moved. We are planted with Christ. We were bought and made right with Him and there is no changing that. He helps us in our times of need. Actually, He helps us all the time.
I think of how much I need the Lord in my daily life. I get my kids ready for the day. I go to work. I interact with so many other image bearers and I want to do it in a way that honors Him. I cannot honor Him without Him. There is no version of myself that brings glory to the Lord on my own. There is no version of you that brings honor to the Lord without His help. He does not leave you to do so either. He instead makes Himself always available to us. His Spirit is a river – always flowing within us – making us glad. Filling us with joy. Making us dependent on Him.
Don’t minimize that or think that you bring Him more glory if you try to muster up obedience and endurance on your own. The living water that we are privileged to drink freely from never runs out. It never dries up. And He can constantly make all of us overflowing. Rest in Him. Know He is with you…every morning.
Rooted and Redeemed 