[Unboxing Psalm 23] the House of the LordSample

Dwell In His Presence

In verse six of Psalm 23, David says: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” He has confidence. There is no doubt where he will make his home. “Dwell,” in Hebrew, implies a returning. In the one-year life of the sheep, this is the return home from the highlands to the familiar corrals, barns, and shelters of the main ranch. It is a return home after having followed the Shepherd to the green pastures, the still waters, and the prepared table. The “house of the Lord” can be translated in several ways. According to some scholars, it can mean the flock or the family of the sheep; it can also mean the “presence” of the Lord.

Keller wrote: “It is the sheep owner’s presence that guarantees there will be no lack of any sort; that there will be abundant green pastures; that there will be still, clean waters; that there will be new paths into fresh fields; that there will be safe summers on the high tablelands; that there will be freedom from fear; that there will be antidotes for flies and disease and parasites; that there will be quietness and contentment.”

Do you have doubts about what the future holds? There is no better place for us to be than with the Shepherd. In His wonderful presence, nothing else matters, nothing else is missing, and we are transformed and complete. It is in His presence we want to dwell forever and ever.

David went through wars and conflicts. As he closes Psalm 23, we can hear the assurance in his voice that goodness and mercy will follow him, not only for a moment but for the rest of his life. He is also confident that he will safely return to the presence of the Great Shepherd, living a life that is worthy of His glory. Our Great Shepherd’s desire is for us to safely stay in His presence and live a life of abundance, security, and purpose.

Do you really live life? If so, how? If not, why not? Do you know His presence in your life? Does that bring you joy or shame? What does “forever” mean to you? Do you look forward to that? Why or why not?

Get to know our Great Shepherd and find comfort, peace, and assurance in every circumstance. You can say: In the Great Shepherd, I am complete. In the Great Shepherd, I am at peace. In the Great Shepherd, I am restored and made righteous. In the Great Shepherd, I am never alone. In the Great Shepherd, I am abundantly blessed. In the Great Shepherd, I am home in His presence.

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