Habakkuk 2:20: “The Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.”
Consider this. You are in a moment when time seems to stand still, the body and mind relax, and you realize you are experiencing God, the Holy One. It is special. For some it comes in a time of meditation. Others are almost surprised when God’s Spirit speaks, and they are transformed or transported away in mind and spirit.
For me, it often happens while I am at worship. Using these words from Habakkuk, the choir opened the worship service every week in my church when I was young. Still today, often when I am singing, I encounter God in worship. All those around me seem to fade away and God is standing with me. Perhaps I am singing, “Holy, Holy… Lord God Almighty. And I lift my hands before you ...” The hands literally rise up and God’s presence is felt there and now.
One of my favorite songs says, “This is holy ground; we’re standing on holy ground; for the Lord is present and where He is, is holy.” Ah, God’s presence is within me, around me, before me, embracing me and my neighbor, and all those who need the peace of God. It is a sacred experience.
How important it is to understand the power of this experience within oneself and within others. When this awesome event happens, it is sad to have the spell broken. One time, when our daughter was invited to sing at an ecumenical Good Friday service in my church in Ault, she sang of Jesus being crucified on a cross, “He hung there…and died!” The musical sound of that terrible moment brought a sudden silence…the words hanging in the space above. Unfortunately, the speaker who was to follow wasn’t sure what to do with that sacred moment. Walking to the front, he announced, “Perhaps we need to lighten up a bit and remember we are about to celebrate Easter.” The sacred moment was shattered. Yet, for one brief time, God was there in a profound way, touching the hearts and lives of those who had gathered to worship that Good Friday night.
This coming week, whether you are confined to your room, walking around the neighborhood, sharing a meal with your friend or spouse, or reading the Bible, allow yourself to encounter the living presence of God. Let the moment enrich you, uplift you, surround you, and comfort you. God is always looking for ways to touch you with God’s love, hope, peace, and blessed assurance.
Prayer: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. I lift my voice, heart, and hands before you. Amen.