1 Kings 8:27-30 also records Solomon asking and contemplating this question.
Solomon is in the middle of prayer during the dedication of the temple. He asks a question, not apparently to God, but to himself and others. The question is almost a realization. “Will God really dwell on the earth… in this temple I have built?” (18) Solomon was perplexed, for God is too complex for even the wisest person to comprehend. That does not mean that I can come to know God in a personal, intimate way.
Solomon used these verses in 19-21: “give attention”, “hear”, “be open”, “hear, hear, hear”, “forgive.” Deep in my being, I long for God to hear me, to see me, to pay attention to me, and to forgive me. Yet, he does all these things. The fact is that I sometimes do not believe it, and therein lies the problem: faith.
Take heart, for God hears. Though things do not go the way I want, Jesus hears. Though today is a happy day; he sees. Though today is a fearful day; the Lord Jesus is here. Though today brings depression; God comforts. Though today I sin; Jesus forgives. Though today I am hungry; the Spirit knows.
God does dwell on earth in the temple of my soul. He experiences what I experience. He knows and understands. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28). And, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
