It is quiet, but I like the stillness.”
–Louis L’Amour (Rustler Roundup)
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”
–Ephesians 2:14(NKJV)
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I was able to sit a couple of times in the chapel at the Air Force Academy. Usually there are dozens of people touring, but a couple of times I was able to come in and enjoy the beautiful chapel’s setting. There was peace and serenity in that place. However, we must remember that we do not have to go into a chapel, cathedral, or church to be in the presence of the Lord. In the next part of Psalm 73, the word “sanctuary” is mentioned. The word for “sanctuary” is plural, possibly referring to more than just the visible Temple. It may refer to any place where God reside, such as our own heart.” (Petersen)
15 — If I had said, “I will speak thus,” behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16 — When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me–
17 — Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18 — Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
19 — Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 — As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
21 — Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind.
22 — I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23 — Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
24 — You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (NKJV)
Go to the sanctuary of your heart and try to perceive things from God’s perspective. We have many “whys” in our mind that we think we must have the answer to. Why does evil exist? Why do the wicked seem to get ahead? Why do I feel all alone? When you go to the sanctuary and meet with God you begin to see the whole picture. Not all of it, for we are unable to contain or understand the whole, but part of it. What begins to happen is that instead of looking at the “whys” or the wickedness of men, our focus returns where it belongs–on God Himself.
We so often forget or ignore the value of personal worship. Many think that worship is in the church, with other believers singing and swaying to music. They worship to be entertained, however, some of the most needed and most valuable worship is personal. Sitting in the “sanctuary” alone with God. Focusing on Him, recognizing Him for who He is and His wonderful goodness to us. Asaph, when he was alone with God and concentrating on Him, came to the realization that he was “foolish and ignorant.” Then I think he breathed a big sigh for he realized that he was continually with God. God has everything under control. God has our lives under control. He walks through this life with us as we hold to His hand.
“Come, tell me all that ye have said and done,
Your victories and failures, hopes and fears.
I know how hardly souls are wooed and won;
My choicest wreaths always wet with tears.”
–Edward H. Bickersteth