Singing from a Place of Dwelling

Dwelling, abiding, hiding. These actions that seem to make all movement cease. This act of resting in the Lord’s dwelling place seems counterproductive to our high performance standards. It all started with a deep dive into Psalm 27: 4-6.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up
    above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
    sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

When we’re focused on lifting the name of Jesus and resting in His Dwelling place, we will be sheltered in our days of trouble and joy. Creating space for rest and worship is really what we were made for. He is the one thing we should seek above all else. And because of our seeking after Him and resting in His dwelling place, from there we are sheltered from trouble. From that place of rest we are under the shadow of His wings. Psalm 61:4 says,

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!

Selah

When we’re dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, it also means that we’re abiding. What does that even mean? To abide is to accept or follow a rule, decision, or recommendation. So when we’re resting, dwelling, meditating on the Word of God in His shelter, we are making ourselves obedient to Him.

So dwelling, abiding, hiding in His Holy Habitation, in His resting place - that is where we’re meant to sing and lift praise to Him. And those songs we sing are a fragrant offering to Him. One that is so costly, like the oil spilled out on Jesus’ feet. When there’s nothing left, all we have is our fragrant offering to Him.

Our obedience. Our song.