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Listen while you read: "The Little Brown Church In The Vale"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 26:8 – I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells. (NIV)
Psalm 84:10 – Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)
We all tend to get attached to the churches where we worship. Within the bricks and walls, stones and stained-glass windows, we find a womb-like sanctuary where we can feel the presence of God as we pray silently or praise God with others. Amidst a world which is always in a hurry and sometimes hostile, it's therapeutic and refreshing to find a place of peace and acceptance, faith and love.
Over many years, I've worshipped and served in different churches with varied ministries and missions, programs and projects that identified their congregational focus and practice of faith. No matter how different the churches were denominationally or spiritually, I always felt that I was in a place of peace where I experienced God's presence, whether it was a small country church or a grand Gothic cathedral. They were, and still are, special places to me, where heaven and earth seem to meet, where the Eternal One abides with mortal ones.
I think that the psalmist of old understood this, too, which is why he preferred God's company and the house where He lived, rather than sitting around with dishonest and deceitful people. In the midst of a culture that was destroying itself with greed and corruption, the writer of Psalm 26 took solace in being with God, away from the maddening crowd. This is something important that we still need today — a place of quiet in a noisy world, a sanctuary of hope in chaotic times.
Perhaps, you are undergoing a lot of pressure in your life. Maybe, you are in a situation that burdens you, or in the midst of circumstances that threaten to overwhelm you. Perhaps, you have been too strong or self-sufficient too long, and now feel stretched, exhausted, and vulnerable. Maybe, you don't know what to do or where to go. Can I suggest that you find a nearby church sanctuary where you can bring your heartfelt pleas and personal prayers to God? Like me, you probably need somewhere to lay down your burdens and just be embraced by the living and loving God. A local church building or even a large cathedral may be just what you're looking for. Try it and see.
Point to ponder: Where can I go to find God's peaceful presence in my life?
Prayer: Lord God, Whose presence abides on our planet and Whose blessing can be found in many places on earth, we seek Your peace and love to help us endure and overcome our problems and troubles. Guide us to a sanctuary where we can quietly pray, experience Your loving presence, and praise Your holy name. Amen.
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Amen, John.
Thank you, John. That sounds like exactly what I need.
Thank you, John. This perfectly describes my feelings about church.
Thanks John, we do need a quiet place at times to find peace. Blessings.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. God be the glory! Blessings.
Good morning, John.
There is no sweeter peace then the peace of knowing God and His faithfulness.
Blessings.
My dear brother in the Lord, your words never cease to amaze me. Thank you for your faithfulness to God our father!!! May God continue to Bless and keep you and yours.
How comforting! Thanks John, I know just where I’ll go! A Remembrance Garden close by… solitude, peace, renewal.
Bless you,
(BC Canada)
Morning! So true is this devotional, during one very difficult low point in my life, went to my church during the week, got key from minister, asked if I needed to talk, said no just need to sit, just sat there in his presence, totally calm for which seemed like hours! It was awesome! Just him and me. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you, John, for your encouraging words. I do so agree with you. When I’ve sought God’s presence it has usually been most real to me in His sanctuary when I come together with His people to pray and praise Him. This oasis of peace has been a comfort and solace to me in the midst of our troubled world.
May God bless you abundantly.
Thank you for sharing these needed truths for me today. After moving across the country with my husband to live near our daughters it seems at times, we are not only missing our brick-and-mortar church but the way I looked out on the cold world from the warm love that surrounded me there. I’m praying to find that solace here.
Thanks.
Thank you for your writing.
Your writing becomes a sanctuary.
Different thoughts and remembrances are a sanctuary.
Reminders that God is always with us.
Thank you.
And blessings.
Dear John,
Bless you for this! It is exactly what I needed to read today. I am unemployed and looking for work, and it has been months, and I appear to be making little progress. Your messages on Daily are always to right on target. You are a blessing to this ministry. Thank you for this, and all the posts you have written.
Every best wish.
Pastor John,
I always look forward to reading your devotions. They are always meaningful to whatever I’m facing in life.
I went to YouTube to watch videos of yours, but only found one. The Homily that you wrote about Psalms 23 is beautiful!
Thank you for your heart for God and tending His sheep.
Blessings.
Dear John: Thank you for this devotional – especially today. A group of us meets tonight at our church to discuss a book we are studying – James Bryan Smith’s book “The Good and Beautiful God.” This week’s chapter is called “God Transforms.” The soul exercise for this week is embracing solitude. My life has recently felt heavy and burdensome, and I have felt far removed from God. Today’s chapter has been very meaningful – but difficult. And today your devotion appears and emphasizes the learning and given me hope.
Thank you. You have made a difference in my life. Blessings.
Thank you, John, for another of your very mindful devotionals. It is so true the feelings of peace and contentment we can experience in a sanctuary no matter the size or the place. I always have a special joy when I have the opportunity to go back to a place where I once lived and attend a worship in the church I attended there. Peaceful memories for sure. I have always enjoyed the hymn “The Little Brown Church in the Vale” and it was a pleasure having it attached to your devotional today. Blessings for these special writings you always prepare.
Thank you, John, for your thoughts and reflections on finding a sanctuary in troubled times.
Like you I have attended and worshipped in several different churches in the past number of years.
On one memorable Sunday the congregation was greeted with this message… “Welcome to the house of the Lord, he has been waiting for you.”
My thought at that moment was “No He hasn’t. He came in with me. He is my constant companion.”
Point to ponder: The nearest place to go is to your knees.
Your message has value for many in need, and for that I thank you. I look forward to your continued contributions to the Daily Devotional.
Thank you for your inspiring words today!
This is so true, and I think I might just follow your advice today.
I remember being amazed at my friends’ Catholic Church when I was in high school. You could just walk into that dim Cathedral anytime and pray.
There was always a slow but steady flow all day, of people coming and going, kneeling to pray, or lighting a candle.
This was very different from my church that opened for a couple of hours on Sunday, then locked up for the rest of the day. At the time I didn’t really care about how my friends’ church operated, but now I am rather envious.
Thank you for bringing that feeling of comfort into my day!
Please keep writing!
Enjoyed your message.
Dear John,
As a great visitor of churches all around the world, I certainly enjoyed your article.
Wishing for much strength and support for our Archbishop of Canterbury and his wife.
Many thanks and kind regards.