WONDERFULLY MADE

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139: 14

I am amazed by how our bodies work, and how all the systems work together. Recent readings in the book of Exodus inform us how God works everything in a way for things to work together in a meaningful way. The minute details of the tabernacle declare the design for His dwelling place. Nothing was extraneous; nothing, even the ornamentation, was without importance. In the same manner, nothing is extraneous in the manner we humans are constructed, (Some may argue that the body’s appendix is not important, but according to Very Well Health:

The appendix may help support the immune system by storing good bacteria.[ii] How does the body work together? See below.)

We are made of body, mind, and spirit, and each of these parts of us function in conjunction to make us who we are. From the basic elements of existence—quarks, leptons, atoms, neurotransmitters, chemicals, cells, organs, bones, muscles, skin—all are created together to make our bodies and our minds. Our spirits or life, the part of us making us who we are, is part of God’s intricate creation within us as individuals. All these parts and pieces work together for a purpose for our existence. I don’t pretend to understand what I can see, let alone what I can’t see. I’m struck, however, how every cell, every minutest particle of human flesh, is important. In the Christian believer the spirit is even more: a purpose, a design, to glorify God.

Back to the tabernacle in Exodus: each part functioned to serve other parts to ultimately glorify God’s presence among Israel. Since Jesus died to take upon Himself the sins of humanity, we now have replaced the tabernacle/temple and become the host—the tabernacle—of God’s Holy Spirit.

… Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20

Yes, our body, mind, and spirit are interconnected in a way to influence the proper working of our being physically, mentally, and spiritually. The body, a physical structure, interacts with the external world; the mind processes our thoughts, emotions, and decisions; and the spirit gives us our purpose in life, determines our values, and connects us to something far greater than ourselves. This is the way every human is constructed.[iii] A follower of Christ has a greater spiritual connection because we become a host of the Spirit of God within our spirits. What should this mean in our day-by-day lives? The following comes from an article from “Spiritual Essence:”

Takeaway from Knowing God’s Spirit Lives in Our Spirit[iv]

When Scripture speaks of God’s Spirit “tabernacled” in our spirit, it draws on the ancient image of the tabernacle — God’s portable dwelling among His people in the wilderness. The tabernacle was not just a physical tent; it was a sacred space where God’s presence met humanity, symbolizing His nearness, holiness, and covenant relationship

Key takeaways from this truth:

God is personally present with you
Just as the tabernacle was God’s dwelling place in the camp, His Spirit dwells in your heart and mind. This means you are not alone in your journey; God is with you, guiding, protecting, and sustaining you.
You are a dwelling place for God
The tabernacle’s design shows that God’s presence is intentional and relational. When His Spirit lives in you, you become a living sanctuary — a place where His light, life, and love can be shared with others.
Access to God’s presence is possible
In the tabernacle, the Most Holy Place was entered only by the High Priest, symbolizing the deep intimacy God desires. Today, through the work of Jesus, we have “a new and living way” into God’s presence, made possible by the indwelling Spirit.
Worship and holiness are lived out in your life
The tabernacle’s furnishings — altar, lampstand, incense — symbolized sacrifice, light, and prayer. As God’s Spirit dwells in you, you are called to live in holiness, offering worship, light, and prayer as part of your daily life.
You are part of God’s covenant community
The tabernacle was central to Israel’s worship and identity. Similarly, the indwelling Spirit connects you to God’s covenant promises, making you a living part of His people.

In practical terms:
Knowing God’s Spirit lives in you should inspire gratitude, humility, and purpose. It calls you to live as a “tent of God” — open, holy, and ready to reflect His presence to the world. It also reminds you that your life is a sacred space where God’s work is done, and where you can draw near to Him daily.

Challenge: God’s Spirit dwelling in your spirit means you are personally inhabited by His presence; you are called to live as a sanctuary for Him; you are given access to His intimate fellowship, both a gift and a calling. Ask yourself: Am I committed to a holy life, and to worship, and living a testimony of His love on a daily basis?

Prayer: Holy Spirit of God, help us to welcome Your presence into our spirits and to yield up any lesser presence compromising the intimate relationship You mean for us to enjoy. All because of Jesus and in His name. Amen.