He Welcomes Us Home

            One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
--Psalm 27: 4, 5

This has always been a special verse, because it brings me back to the quiet moments I used to spend sitting in the chapel where I grew up.

Some of my fondest memories are of sitting alone on the second row from the front - sisters’ side and closest to the middle aisle. I love being there when everyone else is gone. I love those silent, defining moments spent in meditation and prayer unraveling the things God teaches me. One can do no wrong over there, whether on your feet, off your feet, or on your knees. If you have ever been there on that very pew just before the sun goes down, at the moment when the penultimate rays peer through the open rooftop, you know what I mean.

I have been very blessed to have traveled to many churches around the world, from tiny shacks to a person’s backyard to grand ancient cathedrals, but I always think that this particular chapel is one of the loveliest. The memories are triggered everywhere at 69 Sunrise. The pews we stripped with turpentine, the walls we painted with kindergarten handprints, the carpet samples we scrutinized to overlay the concrete, and the dried flowers that stood like a watchmen on the back window, which had to be thrown out last year.

When I am there, I am safe and I remember who I am. When I am there, I know His answers before I even ask them. I know His will and am unafraid and without doubt. In this sanctuary, I’ve felt the power of His spirit, I’ve experienced safety from spiritual battle, and I’ve found myself many times over. There in His temple, He sets me high upon a rock and no harm can befall me.

Sometimes the best way to get out of life’s many challenges is to step away from the situation and bring ourselves back in front of the Lord’s feet. There in His dwelling place, we reawaken our first and most special love. And do you know what the best part is? You are always welcome in His home, whether you are feeling filthy, lowly, ugly, weary, or just lost.

So when you are tired and exhausted from everything, don’t forget to go home. He’s waiting for you there.