I’ve noticed something about myself that I’ve never noticed before.
I need to be alone.
I need silence.
Do you? I bet you do–maybe even more than you know.
Whether you’re a mama with small children or an empty-nester like me–we need a quiet moment in the day to recharge our spirits.
But not just any kind of silence will do. Silence can be lonely. Empty. But silence spent in the Presence of God fills us with strength and joy. This scripture promises it.
“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy in His dwelling place.” ~1Chron. 16:27
The Hebrew words that form this sentence are beautiful. But I’ll only focus on one. “Dwelling place” is the translated counterpart for the ancient word, maqowm; it’s definition is:
“Dwelling place” is lovely, but “standing place” puts me right at His feet. If I’m simply where He dwells, I picture myself in His house. But if I’m where He stands, I’m right next to Him. I’m in His Presence. And honestly, if He is standing, I see myself on my knees bowed as low as I can go. Something happens when I get on my knees, my face to the ground.
I find strength, peace, and joy.
[bctt tweet=”If your joy and strength are evaporating, place yourself next to Him–His standing place.” username=”wordsbyandylee”]
Pray with me?
“Lord, our lives are so loud and hectic. We thank you for all the people and blessings that make the noise during our day. But when we feel our strength waning and our joy fading please help us get away if only for a moment to a place all alone (even if it’s the bathroom with the door locked.) Let us fall on our knees right at your maqowm, your standing place. Recharge us with your joy and your strength. We love you. Amen and Amen.”
Leave a comment. Where do you feel the Presence or standing place of God? Do you receive joy and strength for the day when you’re there?
See you Friday!
By His Grace,
andy
This post was adapted from Where to Find Strength and Joy posted in 2014.
[…] is God’s dwelling place, and He wants to share that with us. This joy is a pervasive sense of well-being that is deeper and […]
Hi Andy, my “Standing Place” is sitting in my prayer chair! It is located in a little corner of our bedroom. I feel a sense of calm envelope me when I take time to close the door and go there and spend time with God. If I miss a day or two, I definitely feel it (and my husband notices my crabiness!) Thank you for your continued inspiration!
I love that, Valerie! I can picture your “standing place”. When my kids were little and we were visiting the in-laws for a week, my husband would always know when he needed to tell me to go spend time with the Lord! LOL! What a difference His presence makes in our lives. Blessings!
Incredible, Andy. I was just reading this verse this morning! Loved learning about the dwelling place meaning the standing place. Yeah. HE’S standing. I’m on my face with you. ;)
Hi Terry! Isn’t that amazing how God does that? I can see you at His feet. Thanks for dropping by today!
I feel it when I go on walks…..my time with God.
Hi Debbie! Me too. I love walking at sunrise or sunset. I always feel him there. Thanks for stopping by! So excited to have you join our fellowship!
Amen and amen, my dear friend and sister! I really get this and feel it acutely in my life. It’s funny that even some of us whom most people consider very extroverted really aren’t. Some of us draw our strength from the times we are alone and therefore MUST have them. However, you hit the nail on the proverbial head when you spoke of the kind of silence that must be. I love this one, Andy.
Hi my friend! I know you know. Miss you! Thanks for stopping by.
I feel it the greatest during worship time at church. I feel an overwhelming sense of joy in those moments. Working on finding it at home when i’m alone.
Me too, Rachel. I love worshiping at church or with other believers. It is different alone. But that has its sweetness too. It’s just different. Keep on spending time with Him in study. Thanks for stopping by! Praying for you. :)