The kingdom of God is more than an attempt to change a lost world; it is about reclaiming and functioning within what God has always sovereignly owned and managed. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” God framed creation and entrusted it to humanity for stewardship (Gen. 1:26-28). To make God our dwelling place is to understand His sovereignty, His presence, and our role in the cosmos He created. Moses even said, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations” (Ps. 90:1).
This perspective reframes reality. Time and space, as Hebrews 11:3 reminds us, exist within God’s creative matrix. Acts 17:28 declares, “In him we live and move and have our being.” Coming into this revelation transforms our understanding of worship, life, and purpose. It shifts us from “going to church” to seeing the cosmos as God’s sacred dwelling place. Hence, Christ is not only “in” believers—but we are truly “in Him” and exist within His reality!
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Furthermore, as His family, the church represents His Lordship on earth as it is in heaven.
Here are ten traits of those who make God their dwelling place.
- Gratitude for Everything
Profound gratitude is the first mark of someone who makes God their dwelling place. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Recognizing that every blessing, resource, and opportunity comes from God fosters a heart of thankfulness.
When we acknowledge that the earth and everything belong to God, we shift from entitlement to appreciation. Gratitude becomes a daily act of worship, recognizing God’s provision in all areas of life.
- A Life Centered on Worship
Those who dwell in God find worship woven into every aspect of their existence—prayer, work, family, rest. Worship is not limited to Sunday services but permeates every moment, reflecting the rhythm of creation (1 Cor. 10:31).
In Genesis, the six days of creation culminated in the seventh Day, a Sabbath of rest and worship, demonstrating that all activity ultimately leads back to glorifying God. Even the natural world testifies to His greatness: “The trees of the field clap their hands, and the rocks cry out in praise,” (Isa. 55:12; Luke 19:40).
For such individuals, worship becomes not an event but a lifestyle.
- Submission to Christ’s Lordship
To make God your dwelling place is to recognize His absolute Lordship. Psalm 90:1 and 91:9 speak of God as the eternal refuge. This means submitting to His authority in every area of life.
Every decision, action, and goal becomes an opportunity to honor Him. Those who dwell in God’s presence are constantly aware that Christ is not just Savior but Lord. His will becomes the standard for all they do, and obedience is their ultimate act of love (John 14:15).
- No Separation Between Secular and Sacred
People who make God their dwelling place understand that all life is sacred. There is no division between what is “secular” and what is “spiritual” because “The earth is the Lord’s,” (Ps. 24:1).
Work, family life, recreation, and even mundane tasks are opportunities to glorify God. This understanding dissolves artificial boundaries, allowing them to see every moment as a chance to reflect God’s kingdom.
- Integration of Church and Workplace
In the same way that they do not separate the secular from the sacred, these individuals refuse to divide the “church place” from the “workplace.” They see their work, whether in an office, a field, or a factory, as a ministry and an extension of God’s mission.
Colossians 3:23-24 encourages, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” The workplace becomes a platform for reflecting Christ’s values and principles.
- Stewardship of Creation
Making God your dwelling place instills a deep sense of responsibility for creation. Genesis 1:26-28 calls humanity to steward the earth as caretakers under God. This involves honoring and studying the natural world, using resources wisely, and protecting the environment as an act of worship (Ps. 111:2).
In recognizing creation as God’s possession, these individuals see stewardship as optional and a divine mandate.
- A Call to Restore the Breach
Isaiah 61:3-4 speaks of those who will “rebuild the ancient ruins” and “restore the places long devastated.” Those who dwell in God feel compelled to be restorers—healing broken relationships, rebuilding communities, and bringing God’s justice to areas of destruction.
This trait reflects God’s heart for communities, cities, and nations. He has called His people to stand in the gap and see every “pain point” in their community as an opportunity to manifest God’s creative solutions that elevate the quality of life for all as a witness of the gospel.
- Using Finances to Advance God’s Kingdom
Those who see God as their dwelling place view their finances as a tool for kingdom work. They understand that their wealth is not their own but entrusted to them by God for His purposes (Deut. 8:18).
This perspective drives them to give generously to support the gospel, help the needy, and invest in causes that reflect God’s heart. They live with the mindset that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matt. 6:21).
- Appreciation of Nature as a Reflection of God’s Glory
Creation is seen as a useful resource and a reflection of God’s glory and creativity. Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Those who dwell in God cultivate an acute appreciation for nature, seeing it as a testimony to His power and wisdom. Whether marveling at a sunrise or tending a garden, they are reminded of God’s beauty and majesty.
- An Acute Sense of God’s Nearness
Finally, those who make God their dwelling place experience an unparalleled awareness of His presence. Acts 17:28 declares, “In him we live and move and have our being.” This sense of nearness transforms their view of reality, enabling them to see God’s hand every moment.
Psalm 91:9 promises, “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you.” This intimate relationship with God provides peace, security, and confidence, even in trials.
Making God your dwelling place transforms every aspect of life. It shifts your perspective from merely “attending church” to living as part of God’s sacred cosmos. Those who embody these 10 traits demonstrate what it means to reclaim their role as stewards of creation, ambassadors of the kingdom, and worshippers of the Most High.
Understanding that the earth is the Lord’s and living in the light of this revelation calls us to gratitude, worship, submission, and stewardship. It reminds us that in every moment and every place, God is near—inviting us to dwell in Him and reflect His glory to the world.
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