More to the point, where does He live in me? In you? Where does He dwell? Is He in your fingers? Your heart? Your gut? Do you know the feeling of Him in you?
We are told that we are His temple and with faith in Jesus comes the indwelling of His Spirit within in us! (Romans 8:11, 2 Timothy 1:14, 1 Corinthians 3:16) This is amazing. Truly amazing. We, our very bodies, become the "holy of holies"---the house of God.
Do you know what He feels like in you? Are you aware of His Almighty, Holy Presence there in your inmost being?
I'm not. Or, at least, not very often. I am learning. Teach me awareness, Father. Lead me into Truth, Holy Spirit.
I have been reading a challenging little book called, Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ by Jeanne Guyon. She suggests that much time is lost in our Christian experience by seeking God "outside" ourselves. We are looking for Him in our world and somewhere outside ourselves. Of course, He does dwell in the world and in the heavens. All heaven and earth are His! ...But, He is much closer than that.
He dwells within. He lives in us, through us, filling us. He lives in me. He lives in you. This is the "eternal life in Him" and the being "born of the Spirit" that Jesus is offering Nicodemus during that dark night-time conversation. (John 3:1-20)
Guyon suggests that worship begins with adoration and the beholding of His Presence within you. She offers a simple way of turning your gaze inward---not toward yourself, but---toward the One who lives within you. Worship can be a simple loving gaze at the Holy Spirit dwelling inside.
I have always loved the concept of God being my refuge, my rock and my fortress. This thought has been a comfort since my early days of faith. But, now, I am realizing that that refuge that I always mentally pictured as slightly outside of myself---a place I run to; is, in fact, a refuge and a rock within my very spirit.
In me. He is building a fortress of strength, a rock of His love, a foundation and a refuge that is within. I don't have to run anywhere... I only have to acknowledge and turn my gaze inward.
Where does God live in me? I don't exactly know. But, I do know He lives and I know that He lives in me. I want to learn to behold Him there and listen to His leading. Teach me, Father, to know Your Presence and Your indwelling Spirit within my heart and my very body! I am yours... possess me entirely, Holy Father.
