What's Your Fixed Address?

One night, I found myself awake, obsessing over a troubling situation. When I realized what was going on in my mind, I told myself, "That is not where I live!" and I turned to Psalm 84.

Psalm 84:1,4 – How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (NIV)

My Father's presence: that's where I'd rather be. That's where I belong as a child of God. And so, when I remembered where I live, all the distressing thoughts were replaced by kingdom thoughts — which were so delightful and restful. I could sleep again.

So, where do you live? You may be thinking of your street and city. But I'm thinking of your fixed address — the place where you dwell regardless of your position on any map. It's where God dwells. Is your spiritual residence here with God? This is where He brings His precious ones when He adopts them as His own. Here is where they'd rather dwell than anywhere else:

Psalm 84:10 – Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)

Where else can we experience such lavish, day-to-day blessings as in the presence of God? Where else can we find meaning and purpose as children of a glorious, eternal promise? Here is where we feel secure, regardless of how others treat us. Here is where we experience the love and forgiveness of our heavenly Father. This is the only "address" where we can find the power to live victoriously.

Oh, how easily we forget where we live. Our minds get drawn into other places. Thankfully, we have many opportunities to strengthen the habit of returning home. Whenever we're surrounded by situations that create confusion or a flurry of activity, we need only centre ourselves at our fixed address, and we'll find the power to stay poised in the midst of it all. Whenever troubling thoughts consume our mind, we can say, "That is not where I live!" And then, we turn towards home, close the door behind us, and breathe a deep breath. Ahhh! We are alone with our Father. It's calm and quiet here. Nothing can disturb us in this place of quiet rest near to the heart of God. Our Father is right here. And regardless of circumstances, we find comfort and strength in His presence. This is home, our fixed address. This is where we'd rather be above all else.

Psalm 84:2 – My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, when our attention strays from home, please draw us back to Your dwelling, that we may once again be filled with praise. Amen.