Devotions: Blessings from Abiding

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!
They are ever praising You.

Psalm 84:4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Dwelling in God’s house in this verse doesn’t so much mean literally being in church, but basking in God’s presence. We are blessed by being constantly in God’s presence. But one might ask, “Aren’t we always in God’s presence since He is omnipresent?” While God is everywhere and He never leaves us, we are not always aware of or acknowledge God’s presence throughout the day. It is at those times when we are most aware of His presence that we are most blessed because we “are ever praising” Him. And the reason we are always praising God when we are in His presence is because we are more aware of His blessings and help. There is an old book called "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence which deals directly with this, training oneself to always be aware of God's presence and the blessings derived from that. I would highly suggest reading it. We have no reason to be depressed or upset when we focus on God because then we will trust in Him and will realize His sovereignty. It is that state of abiding in God, of constantly seeking, pursuing and thinking about Him that blesses us. Seek His presence and be blessed!