I SHALL NOT WANT FOR DWELLING

…and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever – Psalm 23: 6b

The Shepherd assures us not only of endless Rewards – Goodness and Mercy – but also of an eternal RESIDENCE! Spiritually, socially or physically, we will never be homeless. We will never lack habitation over our heads, shelter over our souls, or a dwelling-place for our destinies. Psalm 61:3 says: “For You have been a SHELTER for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” Also, “God sets the solitary in FAMILIES: He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land” (Ps.68:6). The Shepherd will never leave His sheep unprotected from wild beasts, severe winds, or harsh vicissitudes of existence. This is His assurance: “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling” (Ps.91:10). Moreover, it is the Shepherd’s Will to lead us to “a city of habitation” (Ps. 107:7).

David the shepherd-boy who became the shepherd-king had one passion above any other: “ONE THING have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His PAVILION: in the secret place of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock” (Ps.27:4-5). What greater desire than this could there be?

However, only those who can truly say “The Lord is my Shepherd” can also confidently affirm “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Wherever the Shepherd dwells is Home for the sheep! The Good Shepherd says: “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (Jh.14:2-3). Right now, our Shepherd is preparing us for our Prepared Place!

Ultimately, from eternity-past to eternity-future, the Lord Himself is our Eternal Dwelling-Place: “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations” (Ps.90:1); and “…Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev.21:3).