DWELL DEEP

Jeremiah 49:8 “Flee, turn back, dwell deep, inhabitants of Dedan. For calamity is coming.”

Dedan was a tribe of Arabs dwelling with the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. When the Arabs were about to be attacked by a powerful foe, they would pick up their tents, pack up their utensils, lade their camels, which they could do in a couple of hours, and set off to the great desert. They would so bury themselves in the desert that no enemy either would or could pursue them. The Arabs alone knew the deserts, and could find water and provisions for their support. They were called to flee, and to get into caves, where they might dwell deep in the earth and be in some security. By digging themselves deep into the caverns and rocks they were secure from the enemy.

Have you ever felt under attack? Maybe overwhelmed by the problems that have come against you? It seems that many people today are searching for the answers to life’s problems. They are looking for a way to find relief. Some people just want to get away from it all. There are times that we must fight against these troubles. There are also times we need to recuperate from the struggles. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that there is a time for everything.

When I was a child, our family dog had a keen sense for when it was time to take a step back. When he was frightened or when he thought he may be in trouble he would hide himself under a neighbor’s porch. He would get as far back a possible to a place where no one could reach him. Sometimes, he would stay there for several hours.

As Christians, we will face moments in life in which we may feel overwhelmed; without answers to the things we are facing. It is true that there are times that we must push forward and keep moving. But there are times that we need rest. Times that we need a place to gather ourselves and regain our strength. These are not physical caves or hiding places. You can’t abandon your problems and hope that they will disappear. We can, however, rest in the love of God Almighty. The Psalmist sang unto the Lord, “In the shadow of your wings, will I make my refuge.”

God calls out to us to find our hiding place in him. It is an opportunity, not just to hide. But to rest, to recover, and to grow in God. The prophet Jeremiah called upon the people to dwell deep in the desert. In the same manner, we can dwell deep in our relationship with our loving God. In those moments of rest, we are offered an intimate chance to know him better. We are drawn closer to God. It is about being in the presence of our deliverer. We will not be allowed to hide forever. But by dwelling deep in his presence, we will come out more equipped for victory over our problems and confidence for the road ahead.

Be encouraged today to dwell deep in him. Become intimately aware of his word and his voice. Learn to trust in his ways by discovering his ways through deep relationship with him. When trouble comes, you have a place to go. It is in the arms of the Most High God. It is a place of refuge and hope. It is also a place of supply, or learning, and of growing. Dwell as deep as you can and discover new things in him.