One thing I have desired in a teaching job is rest. What I mean is that in seeking a teaching job I wanted to find a place to call my own, a school to call my own, a class to call my own. In a sense, I wanted a “dwelling place,” somewhere to spend my time where I fit in and felt comfortable. While reading Psalm 132 tonight, it stood out to me that the LORD has made us His resting place, His own.
“For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.” (vs.13-16)
Seeking a permanent dwelling place of any kind here on earth would be a search in vain because nothing on earth is permanent. But to think that the LORD has chosen to dwell in us forever is such a contrast, for things with the LORD are permanent! Just as I enjoy investing myself in the group of students the Lord has given me to teach, He fully invests Himself in our lives, blessing us abundantly, satisfying our hearts, and clothing us with His salvation. With such security, what other response could we have except shouts of joy?