God is looking for a resting place, a habitation in which to dwell.  God wants to dwell – reveal, manifest Himself in the natural realm His way.  For this to happen, He needs a people consecrated to Him.

God created man with a desire for fellowship.  He has not changed in His desire.

• God desired to talk with His people, but they were afraid.  They asked to hear through Moses.ⁱ

• God asks that they make a sanctuary that He may dwell among them.ⁱⁱ

• God instructs the building of the Mercy Seat.  There He would meet with Moses and speak intimately of all He would give in commandments to Israel.ⁱⁱⁱ

• God brought His people out of the land of Egypt to dwell among them.^iv

God declares Heaven as His throne and the earth as His footstool, then where is the house that man can build for Him? Where can He find rest?^v

BUT THIS IS THE MAN . . . to whom I will look and have regard, he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands.^vi

Although He inhabits eternity, God will dwell with those who are contrite and humble in spirit.^vii 

The definition of humble as a verb transitive means to destroy the power, independence, or prestige of.  Defined as an adjective it is lacking all signs of pride, aggressiveness, or self-assertiveness.

The definition of contrite is to be overcome by a sense of guilt and a desire for atonement; penitent – crushed by or showing sincere remorse. 

We ought never to sin, but we should always have sorrow for sin.  A contrite inner life helps one to confess instantly and not to hide those little points others notice are unlike the Lord.  With a contrite heart, we can know the mind of God.

Stop for a moment and consider the wonder of God’s desire.  He wants to dwell with man.  The tabernacle was a picture of the spiritual reality that would come with Christ’s finished work.  He dwelt in the tabernacle waiting for the time when He could dwell within His people.

Who is the man … God desires to dwell in you!  Will He find the resting place He is looking for?  Humble yourself and draw near to Him in prayer.  Invite Him to prepare your heart to be His resting place.

*To learn more about walking and living in the Spirit go to Midway Ministries