Dwell | PsalmsSample

Hidden in Christ

Introduction

Hi, this is Viv, and welcome to Dwell.

For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we recenter upon the Lord by opening our hearts to hear from him through the words of Scripture.

Thanks for joining us.

Silence

As we begin, let's sit in silence for a moment, seeking to be attentive to the presence of God, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.

Passage

Psalm 7:1-2.

O Lord my God, in You I have taken refuge;
Save me from all those who pursue me, and rescue me,
Or he will tear my soul like a lion,
Dragging me away, while there is no one to rescue me. (NASB)

Exhortation

There’s something really powerful about prayers that give words to the heart of our emotions: the deep fears that plague our soul and body. David was a man familiar with the risks of war, the threats of enemy attacks. He knew what it was to hide in a cave to protect his life. From his place of deep vulnerability came prayers that help us to put into words the threats in our lives. You may have people set on ruining your reputation, whispering lies about your soul. Or you may simply find that life’s circumstances never seem to go as you would have dreamed, and you’re left sorting out the odd pieces that feel like part of a different puzzle. You need a place to hide. You need a place to rest your head.

Beyond any human’s desire to destroy your life, the one behind the scenes of all evil and brokenness is ultimately the only one truly out to get you. No human can really destroy you, or pluck you from Father’s hand.

As you awaken to the schemes of the enemy’s intent to tear your life apart like a lion, may you also become more and more aware of the refuge you have in God; you aren’t hiding out in a cave, you’re tucked away in the very Body of Christ. The resurrected one! Now that is a mysterious promise worth a second thought.

What has got you feeling fearful today? What threatens your soul?

Exhale fear, and let the Holy Spirit remind you that He’s got you tucked away in His refuge. Within the body of Christ, you have the most secure rescue you could ever imagine. Yes!

Active Response

Now, I'd like to invite you to turn this Psalm into a short breath prayer.

In the silence of your heart, say: "Body of Christ," breathing in as you do. Then, again in silent prayer, say: “my safe place," and breathe out.

Take 30 seconds to do that now, offering this prayer as a gift to Christ:

Body of Christ
my safe place.

Begin now.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving me words to articulate my deepest fears. Thank you that you are a safe place to bring all my fears. I wish to keep coming to you as I discover new corners of my heart that are scared. You are big enough to welcome all of me home to you. Can you please show me what it means to have you as my hiding place? How can I learn to live in you? Yes, I choose this. I choose you. Yes, be my hiding place. Yes.

Outro

Now, go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.