What battle are you facing right now? Do you need rest?
Finding rest in the middle of battle
What battle are you facing right now?
Do you need rest?
I learned about dwelling in God’s presence in the most unlikely of places—Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, in the middle of a war with ISIS.
Before I deployed, God called and anointed me to build a church, making God’s presence my home, and fight ISIS (I learned later to pray for them first). I expected to be shot at with every kind of munition. I expected to get sick from malaria pills and military food. I expected to lose sleep compared to home. I expected battles inside the wire that were fiercer than those outside—pornography, divorces over the phone, suicidal thoughts. I expected to lead by example, pray, and boldly proclaim Christ.
But there were things I didn’t expect. I didn’t expect persecution that nearly had me kicked off base. I didn’t expect a first sergeant scheming against me or soldiers trying to circulate a petition for my removal. I didn’t expect to misfire a weapon system and nearly kill civilians, or to lose a mortar tube because of a mislabeled box. I didn’t expect to forget my M4, leaving the wire for a medical operation.
Why mention the misses? Because in life’s biggest battles, the failures matter as much as the victories. They prepare you to bring your whole self to the fight.
Yet there’s something greater than readiness. Dwelling in the presence of God doesn’t just prepare you for battle—it transforms you into the likeness of Jesus.
The Secret Place
The psalmist writes: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
The Hebrew word for “dwell” is יָשַׁב (yāshab)—to sit, remain, stay, make a home. Not a visitor’s word, but the language of belonging.
Israel sang this psalm under the Mosaic covenant. Dwelling meant loyalty to God’s law, trust in His promises, and nearness to His presence in the sanctuary. It meant pilgrimage to Jerusalem, offering sacrifices, singing psalms, praying, and daily obedience.
But now, through Jesus, the veil is torn (Matthew 27:51). He is the true temple (John 2:19–21). Dwelling equals abiding in Christ (John 15:4–5).
What Israel longed for in shadows, we now have in fullness.
Never Finished Challenge: Dwell
Abide in Christ (John 15:4–5).
Dwelling means staying connected to Him like a branch to the Vine.
Practice: Begin each day declaring, “I am in Christ, and Christ is in me.”
Prioritize Presence Over Performance.
Dwelling is awareness of God’s presence in the ordinary—while you run, work, or play with your kids.
Practice: Take “secret place stops” during the day. Breathe five times and whisper, “Jesus, You’re here.”
Obey His Voice Daily.
The promises of Psalm 91 are for those under His authority. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).
Practice: Every time you obey a Spirit nudge, you are dwelling.
Sanctify Space for Him.
Israel traveled to the temple. We guard rhythms of prayer, Scripture, worship, silence, and community.
Practice: Protect your “secret place time” like you guard your workouts or paycheck. Make it non-negotiable.
Never Treat Access Lightly.
Israel trembled at Sinai. The high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year, a rope tied to his ankle in case he died. Us? No rope. No veil. Just an open door, a seat at the King’s table because of Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 10:19–22).
Practice: Before prayer or Scripture, pause. Light a candle, play a song, and say, “I come by the blood of Jesus.”
Make It Corporate Too.
Dwelling isn’t only private. It deepens when we worship, confess, and encourage together.
Practice: Invite your family into the secret place—through blessing, Scripture, or song.
What does today say about God?
Everything.
God is everything I need and more. '
Yes, it is a cheesy statement, but its’s true.
I dwelled in His presence every day for hours during combat, and bullets and bombs felt minuscule, not because I am Mr. Tough Guy, but because I worshiped the Almighty.
And dwelling in the presence of the Almighty gave me rest despite the daily opportunity the enemy had to kill me.
What a Father.
What a King.
What a Friend.
Thank you, Jesus!
What a Father.
What a King.
What a Friend.
Thank You, Jesus.
A great commentary James. Always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for the respite in the middle of the battles.