DWELLING IN GOD’S HOUSE

There are many definitions for revival. For the Christian, they all revolve around experiencing the Presence of Christ in a fresh, new way. My friend, David Bryant, has often said that the Second Coming of Christ will be the greatest revival, because it will be the clearest expression of the Presence of Christ. Until that time, though, the Spirit of Christ will continue to stir us up to pray for an even greater longing for His Presence.

One of the many ways that Scriptures speak of the Divine presence is through the imagery of the House of God. Over and over in God’s Word we see the promises of His people one day dwelling with Him forever in His House. Certainly there is this firm promise of someday in the future enjoying the pleasures of the Lord’s presence in His own dwelling place, but the Bible also strongly teaches of the possibility of dwelling in His House while still in the midst of this life.

We often think of the event and corporate aspect of revival and that is a very valid and profitable viewpoint. What, though, of the possibility of personal revival as a continuous way of life, as we learn to live daily in His House? There are so many passages of scripture that speak of this exciting and transformative lifestyle of dwelling in the Lord’s House.

A number of years ago, the Lord grabbed my heart through Psalm 27:4: “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; gazing upon His beauty, seeking Him in His temple.” It is apparent that David was not talking about heaven by and by, but a current experience of God’s presence. For years now, I have made this a daily prayer.

I have to confess, though, that for the first couple of years, I had to add on something. After I had prayed Psalm 27:4, I added, “And, Lord, help me to understand what I just prayed.” What does it mean to live in the House of God in the midst of everyday life? As we begin to learn the answer to this and experience it in our own lives, we will be walking in a revived life in the Spirit.

(c) Harvest Prayer Ministries