THE DISCIPLINE OF DWELLING

Guided by His Eminence, Archbishop and Presiding Prelate Sir Andres B. Quow

Peace and grace be multiplied unto you. In the busyness of our modern lives, our minds are pulled in a thousand directions. We dwell on past mistakes, anxiously plan for future uncertainties, and are constantly bombarded by the world’s noise. Yet, the Word of God calls us to a different kind of dwelling—a sacred discipline that is the key to perfect peace.

The Prophet Isaiah reveals this secret with stunning clarity: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3). The Hebrew word for “steadfast” here implies one who is supported, upheld, and fixed. It is a mind that is not tossed about by every wave of circumstance but is anchored, focused, and stayed on God. His Eminence, Sir Andres B. Quow, consistently teaches that this steadfastness is not a passive state but an active discipline of the soul.

To have a mind stayed on God means to intentionally direct our thoughts toward His nature, His promises, and His faithfulness. It is to practice the presence of God in the mundane and the monumental moments of our day. The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:8 to fill our minds with whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This is the practical outworking of a steadfast mind. When a worry arises, we counter it with a promise from Scripture. When fear knocks, we answer with the truth of God’s sovereignty and love.

This discipline requires us to be intentional. It is a moment-by-moment choice to redirect our gaze from the stormy waves to the face of Christ. It is in this place of focused trust that we experience the “perfect peace” that God promises—a peace that transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). The world offers anxiety. Still, Christ offers a garrison for your soul. Today, let us practice the discipline of dwelling. Let us steadfastly fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Amen.