In Bible times God had a tabernacle and later a temple where He deigned to dwell in the midst of His people. Today, we have no temple, but God is a dwelling God and He still loves to dwell in our homes.
One of the most beautiful things we can do as a mother and homemaker is to make our homes a dwelling place for the living God. I love the Scripture in Hebrews 9:1 (JBP) where it tells us about God’s sanctuary “a holy place in this world for the eternal God.”
This morning I read Psalm 84:1-3 (NLT): “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heavens Armies . . . Even the sparrow fins a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!”
This is such a beautiful word to us mothers. How often we feel overwhelmed and wish we had more time to read God’s word and spend time in His presence. But how do we do this with little babies and toddlers and even older ones all vying for our attention. It seems impossible.
But dear mothers, we need to think of our homes as God’s sanctuary and each room as an altar of the Lord. Instead of thinking we have no time to spend with God to realize that we are living in His presence. As you dedicate your home to Him to be His sanctuary, you are living in His presence. Even in the midst of bedlam and all the needs of your little children, remember that you are making a nest for your children in the presence of the Lord.
Just as the sallow built her nest in the temple of God, you are making nest where you can lay your young ones in His presence. As you nurse your baby on your rocking chair, think of it as an altar as you pray for this child and dedicate him or her to God.
When you sit at your table with your children realize it is an altar where you feed your children body, soul, and spirit. As your husband reads God’s word at the end of the meal you too will find sustenance as the Scriptures are read.
You can make every room in your home an altar. I remember one time when my children were little and I longed, like the psalmist, to be in the courts of the Lord. How could I get away alone? Of course, it’s impossible when you have little children.
I remember taking my four under four into the bedroom and closing the door. I kneeled by my bed and began to pour out my soul to the Lord. As I entered into His courts, I began to feel His presence with me.
Suddenly there was a knock on my door. A guy who was boarding at our place was home and began shouting, “Please calm down those children, I can’t sleep!” I was so enjoying the Lord’s presence I wasn’t even aware of all the noise the children were making!
This psalm continues: Vs 4 – 6: “What joy for those who can live I your house, always singing your praises. What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD . . . When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.”
Make your home a dwelling place for God where your children can grow up near the altars of the Lord.
Blessings to you today,
Nancy Campbell
Painting: Polina Luchanova, Russia