The two words I became interested in were "dwell" and "abide". One could think they had pretty much the same meaning. In doing some digging into the original language, I discovered they do, in fact, have somewhat different emphasis. Dwelling on the one hand has the meaning in the Hebrew, in which the Old Testament is written, that to dwell is a permanent state. Some of the words used in the definition are: sit down; remain; marry; endure; establish; habitation; make to keep; seat; set; tarry. Abiding, on the other hand, has a similar meaning yet connotes the possibility of a less permanent situation, if chosen. Words like: Stop overnight; to stay; lie all night; remain; tarry. Some words you do not see in the definition of dwelling are: be obstinate; make to murmur; grudge.
Let me clarify my thinking a little more. When you "dwell" in the Lord, it means you come under the Lordship of Christ as God designed and completely trust in his salvation. You receive all his promises and walk with joy in the Kingdom of God. You remain in his blessings. You worship. You praise. You bask in his presence. You are established by the Blood of Christ. You are saved! Your name is in the Lamb's Book of Life! Then comes "abiding". Are you choosing to stay positioned under the shadow of the Almighty no matter what. Are you "setting your face like flint" as in Isaiah 50 to continue under his Lordship. You may be murmuring and complaining some, but by choice, you are remaining.
It is easy to dwell when everything is going smoothly and you are flying high or floating around on a cloud without a worry or a care. However, that is not where our Heavenly Father wants to leave us. We have to come down to earth; get off our cloud. We have to fully surrender to the discipline of the Lord to grow and mature as we await his return. Hebrews 12:3-12 tells us that we struggle against sin and need the discipline of a loving Father. He disciplines us because he loves us. We are disciplined through trials. James 1:12 gives a promise for those who endure: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
I am reminded of instances where teenagers who begin to receive stricter discipline and training will go beyond expressing mild complaints and choose to rebel and run away from the discomfort they are experiencing. They have left their dwelling place and chosen not to "abide" any longer under their parents authority. That type of decision only brings heartache and pain. It separates us from the promises so freely extended to us as children. We see this in the account of the prodigal son. But when he returns to dwell with his father, fully abiding, he is completely restored to wholeness and position.
We need to "dwell", be positioned by the Cross, having believed in our heart and confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and at the same time "abide" in him admitting that "...all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant..." (Hebrews 12:11) but the fruit of righteousness it produces is so worth it! So rather than running away or taking ourselves out from under the shadow of the Almighty, we can remain and receive the deliverance and the protection and authority and long life that is promised to us through abiding. You can read about it in Psalm 91.
So, if you are having a difficult time enduring the "abiding", you can "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:12) Don't become weary in the trials but know they are perfecting you and making you perfect and complete so you will lack nothing to keep you strong and victorious in this life until He appears and then we will be like Him and "dwell" with Him forevermore.
Throughout history, life has been difficult for God's People with them choosing at times to run away, and throughout history, when they would return to dwell and abide in the only Habitation that can protect, provide, bless, empower, produce fruit, bring joy, bring lasting peace, ensure eternal life with unbroken fellowship, they would be restored. As we choose to come into that Glorious Habitation of the Secret Place of the Most High, the Most High will give us the desire, strength and ability to "Abide" and receive his great and precious promises and through them as 2 Peter1:3&4 tells us, we become partakers of the Divine Nature as He in turn dwells and abides in us by His Spirit. He has provided. What shall we choose?
God Bless you ALL richly!
BarbaraJean
