1 KINGS 6:12-13: “Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, execute
My judgments, keep all My commandments, and walk in them, then I will perform My word with you,
which I spoke to your father David. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake
My people Israel.”
In 1858 Scottish missionary John G. Paton and his wife sailed for the New Hebrides. Three months
after arriving on the island of Tanna, his wife died in childbirth. One week later his infant son also
died. Paton was plunged into sorrow.
Surrounded by savage people, he wrote, “Let those who have ever passed through any similar
darkness as of midnight feel for me. As for all others, it would be more than vain to try to paint my
sorrows. But for Jesus, and [His] fellowship–I [would] have gone mad and died.”
God knew that Israel would need this kind of comfort too. After the reign of Solomon, the nation would
divide between north and south. Over the next several hundred years various armies would occupy
the land and bring havoc upon the people. God’s solution? He promised, “I will dwell among the
children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel” (1 Kings 6:13). God’s presence, as
represented by His temple, would be their ultimate comfort.
Believers today don’t have a temple made of wood and stone; they have something even better. They
have the presence of God in the person of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. Jesus promised, “And I
will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper” (John 14:16).
When we received Christ as our Savior, our bodies became the home of the One who is called
Comforter (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7, KJV).
If you lack this kind of comfort and courage, first make sure that you have received Jesus Christ as
your Savior. If you are saved, then see if there is any sin hindering the Holy Spirit’s work in you. In the
midst of difficulties and disasters, He is there to encourage you to go on despite your circumstances.
HE WHO DWELLS IN US ALSO GOES WITH US.