Dwell with Me

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.” – Psalm 90:1 (NRSV)

Where do you dwell?

Is it within a habit you promised yourself you’d quit but continue to do when you’re in a lonely place?

Is it in a relationship you know you should leave but continue to convince yourself you need?

Is it at a job – or even at a church – that continues to demean who you are and the gifts you bring?

Are you dwelling in something you’ve convinced yourself is the best you can get because dysfunction is now your acceptable norm?

Too often we dwell in unhealthy habits, people, or places when we should really be dwelling in the promises of God. We evaluate situations and relationships by how long we can tolerate them instead of whether they align with where God would have us to be or what God would have us to do.

What if we stopped calling on God to save us as we dwell in the places we shouldn’t stay, and started calling on God to dwell with us when we are brave enough to go where only God can empower us to go?

It’s time we stop demanding God show up in every situation and start asking if God would want us in that situation in the first place.

Don’t be afraid of leaving the dysfunction that may be your dwelling place. Be bold enough to leave. Have enough faith to disrupt what’s meant to be disrupted. God promised to be our dwelling place so we wouldn’t have to find home in the things that hurt.

Prayer
God, I’m ready to go where you’ll have me to go and to be who you’ll have me to be. I know you’ll dwell with me. Amen.

About the Author
Marchaé Grair is a spiritual director, facilitator, and the Director of Public Relations and Outreach at the Unitarian Universalist Association. Follow her work at marchae.com.