In our Bible study on the Book of Exodus, our lecturer said the Ark of the Covenant was a "portable Eden". It was where God chose to dwell among his chosen people. In the Holy of Holies inside the Tabernacle, God recreated Eden in a golden box, travelling with his covenant people until they settled in the Promised Land and eventually built a temple. In 70 AD, the Jewish temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, never to be rebuilt.

Not that it needs to be because God now dwells in the hearts of believers in Christ. Paul told the Corinthians that their bodies were now the temple. That makes you and me portable Edens!

Eden is not a lost world. It still exists. The peace that passes all understanding resides there like a gorgeous flower that is always in bloom. Faith, trust, and compassion flourish in lush fullness. This wondrous place now travels within us wherever we go in this un-Eden-like world. It is our "go to" spot whenever we need it. Better than comfy pants or chocolate.

Where can we find God today? He is in Eden, a heartbeat away. Since our hearts contain that marvelous, fruitful place called paradise, why do we try to bring the seeds of worry, strife, anger, and bitterness through the garden gate? Those need to stay outside. We don't need to haul them inside to dwell where only God should.

Father, thank you for desiring to be with me even in this sinful world. Dwell in me and guide me by your Holy Spirit to commune with you each and every day so my heart may remain a place of peace.I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.

Go Deeper — Find a picture of a very peaceful, restful, and beautiful place. Now cut the shape of a heart out of a piece of paper and put the “hole” over the picture. Meditate on that image and ask God to bring you peace as you commune with him in prayer.

Read Further — Instead of Eden, is there a Vacuum in Your Heart? This article might help comfort you.



Tags: Our Life Journey 1 Corinthians 3
Photo Credit: Qui Ngyuen