My Personal God: My Dwelling Place

by David Chadwick

King David knew God as a close friend, so much so that he referred to him as his “dwelling place.” A place of refuge where no evil can exist, and no harm can come near you (Psalm 91:9-10).

A dwelling place is a place of comfort. It’s a safe home where we can permanently reside. It’s the place we go to take a deep breath and rest. It is where you pull up the drawbridge and know you can be safe and secure.

The Lord is a loving Daddy who yearns to be involved in every area of your life. He wants you to dwell with him forever.

Our minds, wills, and emotions need a dwelling place just as much as our physical bodies. David regularly rested in the arms of his Father, where the very presence of God became his dwelling place. His home. His life. His identity. His security. His comfort.

God longs to become your dwelling place as well, with a lifetime access pass to his safe house. There really is nothing like home. A place to lay your head at the end of a long day.

Do you long for a safe haven? An impregnable castle? A place where your soul can breathe?

The things we love about home–a comfy couch, a warm fire, a cup of coffee–all pale in comparison to knowing God as our dwelling place.

Throughout your day, when you are feeling hopeless, or when you’re feeling anxious or alarmed, say, “God, you are my dwelling place. You are a safe place for me to rest. In you, there is abundant peace.” Retreat into his loving arms and presence.

And then feel God’s peace that passes all understanding as it guards your heart no matter what you may be walking through.

My Personal God: My Fortress

by David Chadwick

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2).

King David wrote Psalm 18 and sang it to the Lord after God delivered him from his enemies.

And again in Psalm 91:2, David said, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

The Lord is not just a shelter; he is a fortress. An immoveable source of strength when the arrows are flying.

“My fortress” is a powerful description. Take a moment and consider the depths of this word. Defined as “a military stronghold, a strongly fortified town fit for a large troop,” the term “fortress” has a wartime connotation.

David knew God as “my personal fortress.” If Jesus Christ has saved you, the same is true for you. Every truth and promise in Scripture now applies to you and me:

“God surrounds me with high, impregnable walls that no enemy can scale.”

“When in danger, the Creator of the universe is my fortress who protects me.”

“With God as my fortress, I stand on His walls, looking down on my enemies. I have the highest position. The higher ground. The consummate advantage.”

Therefore, no matter what you may face, say throughout the day, “God is MY fortress.” Personal. Living. Always protecting me.

Repeat it over and over again until you believe it. Then feel God’s peace that passes all understanding as it washes over you no matter what you may walk through.

My Personal God: My Refuge

by David Chadwick

God is “my refuge.” “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge...’” (Psalm 91:2).

The eternal God of the universe, the One who created everything, wants to be your personal shelter in the midst of trouble.

He is a loving Daddy who yearns to provide safety for you in every single situation you face. He wants you to abide in him and walk closely with him every day. He wants you to run into his arms when you feel in danger.

King David had this kind of close relationship with God. He knew God on a personal level, and when faced with troubles of many kinds, he knew where to go.

God is your refuge. Your safe haven. A place for retreat when you are in danger. He’s your daddy, and you can run to him whenever you have a need.

God wants to be your safe place. He longs to provide you true, eternal security. He wants your identity to be protected in Him.

Once your life is saved by Jesus, no one can ever snatch you away from him. Ever.

The Lord is available to you at all times. Any time. Anywhere. No matter the circumstances. He wants to fulfill your every need.

Whatever your need may be, run to God today and say, “God, you are MY refuge. You are a personal God. You promise to never leave me or forsake me.”

Now cling to that truth today and forever!