Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Psalm 90:1
I wonder where you consider to be home? In your room? With your family? At your work? With someone?
Psalm 90 was written by Moses and in the first verse we read where his home was, ‘Lord, you have been our dwelling-place throughout all generations’
Moses was talking about the children of Israel. But what about his life?
- He was born into a loving Hebrew family, but being in danger of his life, he had to leave.
- He spent 40 years in an Egyptian Palace, but when he killed a slave driver for whipping one of his own people, he had to leave.
- He dwelt in tents for another 40 years in the wilderness until God met with him and told him he had to leave.
- He roamed for another 40 years as leader of God’s people, pitching camp in at least 42 different places.
And through it all his home remained the same. Moses’ home and dwelling place was with God.
But who is this God?
Look at the second verse…
‘Before the mountains were born,
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.’
He is the almighty God of creation who made all things. But don’t miss it – He is eternal, before the mountains, the earth, the stars, the universe, time, space – ‘from everlasting to everlasting you are God.’
He is eternally good. Eternally loving. Eternally Father, Son and Holy Spirit. His existence has no beginning, nor can his being be measured by the hours, days, months, years, decades or even eons of time. He is the same; yesterday, today and forever, without beginning of days, or end of life, or change due to time.
The amazing truth for us is that in a changing world we can find our dwelling place in Him.
We are mortal and live in a world that is constantly changing around us. We go through times of gladness, fulfilment and joy, but there are also pains, hardships, and heartaches. But God is immortal, and he does not change. Moses experienced this as he knew the Lord as his abiding place throughout life.
Exodus 33:11 says ‘The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.’
For Moses to meet with God he had to pitch a special tent outside the camp, but we are far more privileged and have far better access. We have Jesus.
Scripture tells us Jesus made his dwelling with us and for those who trust him, he calls friends.
What does he say to us as people? ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28).
What does he say to us as congregations? ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.’ (Revelation 3:20).
What does he say to us as believers? ‘As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.’ (John 15:9)
Let us find our dwelling place in God.
Samuel Oldridge, Borras Park