His Dwelling Place

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!” Psalm 84:1 

Last year we brought 33 women from our three church plants in San Diego to the West Coast Women’s Retreat. During the Saturday morning quiet time, I was reflecting on the verse above and marinating on the truth that as a child of the Most High God, I am His dwelling place. In fact, all that put their trust in Jesus are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. His Presence makes each of us lovely; we carry His glory.

Throughout the retreat, I had opportunity to see this beauty reflected in His daughters. Often our worship leader would lead us with her voice alone and then quietly let us continue to sing without her. The sound of God’s daughters worshipping with their whole hearts exuded beauty. Watching the women express their life journeys in art and share a piece of their story with each other reflected the strength of the beloved community. For many of the women this was their first time to go on a retreat, try new activities like archery, hatchet throw, or zip line, or leave their kids for the weekend. For all of us, the Oaks camp provided space to be with God in His creation away from the noise and distraction of the city. We could linger at meal times because we didn’t need to do dishes or be responsible for anything. Laughter and deep connections were made in the dining hall, after sessions, and in the lodges at night.

Leah, one of the ladies from our group, had never been on a women’s retreat before! When I first met her two years ago, she kept to herself and didn’t go many places without her husband. She began taking TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) classes with him around the time I met her. Through TUMI, I have seen Leah blossom in the Lord as she has discovered more of who she is in Christ as she studies His Word. Her confidence has grown, and she is beginning to see how God will use her story to minister to others. During the retreat, she shared a portion of her testimony in front of the entire group—another first for her! This is the beauty of the transforming, indwelling work of the Spirit in people’s lives. Leah’s story is just one of many transformation stories that I am seeing!

Read more about our urban leadership retreats.