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art, Changes, Christianity, Faith, health, inspiration, religion, thoughts
#Serenity, #peace; #gratitude; #living, #art; #fruit of the Spirit; #abide in Christ
What does it mean to dwell? According to Miriam-Webster, it generally means to remain or to live as in a dwelling place or as a resident of a city, town, state, country.
The term “dwell” can also pertain to the heart of a matter — where something lies or exists. It might also mean to keep attention directed on something, as in to dwell upon one’s fear or, faith. To “dwell” can also mean to speak or write insistently such as reporters who dwell on scandals.
Some synonyms for the word “dwell” include abide, hang around, remain, stay, stick around, to sojourn or to tarry. Antonyms include to bail out, to leave, to depart, to move, to go, to quit, to take off, to walk out or vamoose.
Quite frequently the word “dwell” is associated with anxiety or putting too much attention on something as in to mull over, to broad about, to become obsessed with, to be preoccupied by, to linger over, to harp on, to discuss at length, to think about, to elaborate on or to keep talking about.
The art of dwelling does not and should not be about obsessive or compulsive behavior. No, the “art” of dwelling represents a style, a technique, perfection, a mastery of the craft.
The word “art” means the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
If we look at “art” as a key word in relation to dwelling (or how well we dwell) then we must assume there is a visual component. This tells me I must be so secure, content and successful in my ability to “dwell” that others will see it and call it beautiful!
Its kind of like letting our light shine for all the world to see!!! Do we? Really???
Whenever I do a word study, the key words I like best are those I recall being used in Bible verses. How about “sojourn” or “tarry”? Jesus expressed sadness when His own disciples refused to “tarry” with Him even for an hour the night He was arrested and subsequently crucified. He wanted more time with His beloved brothers but they didn’t understand, they didn’t know the hour that was upon them.
The word “sojourn” means a temporary stay which often comes after a journey. It is a Hebrew word. Antonyms include: abandon, avoid, depart, forfeit, forfend, journey, migrate, move, proceed, reject, resist, shun. Synonyms include: abide, anticipate, await, bear, bide, confront, continue, dwell, endure, expect, inhabit, live, lodge, remain, reside, rest, stay, stop, tarry, tolerate, wait, watch.
Then there is the word “abide”. I love that word! The dictionary definition calls it a verb, an action word, meaning to accept or act in accordance with a rule, a decision or a recommendation. Synonyms include to comply with, to obey, to observe, to follow, to keep to, to hold to, to conform to, to adhere to, to stick to, to stand by, to act in accordance with, to heed, to upload, to pay attention to, to agree to or with, to consent to, to accept, to acknowledge. to respect, to refer to.
Wow that’s pretty loaded especially when you consider the only antonyms listed are to flout or to reject! Flout means to openly disregard a rule, a law or a convention. It means to defy, to refuse to obey, to scorn, to go against, to rebel against, to have disdain, to show contempt for, to poke fun at, to make a fool of, to infringe, to violate, to break, to ignore, to transgress against, to mock or to scoff. A more informal definition is listed as to be unable to tolerate.
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When I started to write this blog I was considering what it might mean to dwell in peace and serenity. I thought about these two states of being because I wholeheartedly believe that the only way to endure and overcome the stress, the fear, the confusion, the hardships and the trauma associated with the COVID – 19 pandemic is to dwell in peace and serenity.
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Let’s first reflect on serenity. What does it mean? Nearly everyone immediately associates the term “serenity” with the prayer — the Serenity Prayer:
“God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change; to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
The Serenity Prayer is a prayer written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). Niebuhr used it in a 1943 sermon at Heath Evangelical Union Church in Heath, Massachusetts.
The Serenity Prayer is recited at Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step meetings. While it has proven to be of great help, comfort and motivation to those struggling with addictions and life controlling issues, the Serenity Prayer and just plane serenity can also be of great value to anyone trying to reduce anxiety and find peace when living outside of their comfort zones and when confronted with situations, circumstances, issues and events beyond control.
With that in mind, serenity is needed more than ever in the wake of COVID-19.
For my own sake, I decided to do an even deeper word study. I set out on a journey to take a closer look at the terms closely associated with either serenity or with dwelling and I chose to examine those words specifically found in Scriptures.
Let’s go back to the word “abide”. The Bible tells us we should “abide” in Christ. In a nutshell, abiding in Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. Only then can we let go and allow God to handle those things that are beyond our control.
I find it very interesting that both the word “dwell” and the word “abide” have negative connotations that deal with anxiety, stress, rebellion, to disobey. Could it be we are unable to dwell in peace or serenity when we are in rebellion and not abiding in Christ?
Just a thought . . .