Dwell & Delight

To have your own copy of this book, contact Suria at: [email protected]


Welcome to our second episode of Family Joy, where we will explore the Kingdom Principle of Abiding in Christ. This devotional has been taken from my new book, also called Family Joy. Please contact me if you would like a copy of this creative devotional at [email protected]. I believe it is a great resource for families, women’s Bible studies and individuals who desire creating a Christ-centred home. It is when we are at home in the Father’s love and intimately connected to Christ, that our hearts will be immune to the insatiable demands and constant worries of this world.

The entire Bible is rich in ‘home’ imagery. From David wanting to build God a permanent dwelling in Jerusalem to Jesus coming to make his home with us, God’s fatherheart for his children is unmistakably clear.

His dwelling is with the sons of men, and his command through his son Jesus is for us is to abide in Him. Abide is the verb of abode or home or dwelling and is a word rich in meaning, although often still hidden from professing believers, as Andrew Murray laments.

While trusting in their Saviour for pardon and for help, and seeking to some extent to obey Him, they have hardly realized to what closeness of union, to what intimacy of fellowship, to what wondrous oneness of life and interest, He invited them when He said, ‘Abide in me.’

God’s heart is for relationship. In John 14 Jesus said,

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23

We need to remember that Jesus is not a chore! He is knocking on the door of our lives to join us around the table for rich fellowship, extending us forgiveness and grace room. May we be inspired to take a hard, honest look at our lifestyle this month, turn away from self-effort, and learn what it means to delight ourselves in the Lord. When we do that, the psalmist declares in Psalm 37:4 that He SHALL GIVE US THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART.

Which brings me to our Creative Activity this month! Create a Collage of Life verses God has repeatedly impressed on your heart over many years. Use any medium to do this: calligraphy, photocopies of text verses, doodling core promises in the shape of an umbrella, lighthouse, anchor, compass, tent dwelling or home or a combination of these.

Until we next month – HAVE FUN!