In Sacred Places

​Two straight nights I’ve dreamed about sharing this blog with you.  It seems to be the way my creative brain operates!  Any time I prepare to teach or write, I’ve already done it multiple times while sleeping.  I know, it’s a strange thing you may think; but it’s comforting to me to know that even while sleeping, God does a great work in my heart.  Interestingly, the twice-over, midnight title for the blog seemed to suggest a quest for finding something hidden deep within.  Finding Intimacy! October was my month to teach the ‘One Thing’ Home Bible Study, and though it was about the blindman in John 9, intimacy with God resonated strongly with me.

​The experience of really knowing and being known by another person is what we call intimacy.  An intimate friend is someone we feel very close to; they know us at a deep level. We desire to know and be known. It’s a two-way avenue.  Trust is at the heart of intimacy. The more we trust someone, the closer we let them get to us.  Trust is a precious gift…one to be given and one to be received!  It takes a heart of courage and vulnerability. 

​“Close friendships aren’t instantaneous; they must be cultivated over time…a close relationship with Him is cultivated the same way human friendships are—through time spent together, communication, vulnerability, and shared interests…In the same way, spiritual unity with the Almighty must be diligently pursued.” ~ Charles Stanley

​​I can recall numerous locations where I felt an exchange of deep level trust between me and a friend during conversations.  Even now, I can vividly remember those moments, the facial expressions, voice inflections, tears, laughter, frustration, and the quiet eye to eye contact.  You know the kind. It’s the deep seeing “you don’t have a word to say” gaze; but the quiet mutual perception that you deeply care.  

The location of those conversations has occurred in the front seat of my car, on my sofa, standing by the car in a parking lot, sitting under a tree, on my porch and side by side on the piano bench, to name just a few. They were all sacred places!  A time and place specifically carved out by Creator God and purposed for building deep relationships.  Sacred places…It’s were intimacy is found.  It's a moment to be fully yourself!

Blue Ridge, GA and Murphy, NC overlooking my beloved mountains!

Me and Brian (hubby) on a much needed get away!

​I have discovered, particularly this past weekend, that those sacred moments and places that continuously show up in my life are blessed gifts.  They are little love gifts given by God just for me!  My mountain excursion was one such gift, as I breathed in the cool air and looked over mountain views on this little family get-away, I felt the presence of God intimately speaking to my heart, “soak it in.” 
 
Literally, I did soak it all in!  Our first full day was a rainy one.  I was up early enough though to enjoy coffee on the giant porch before the down pour began.  The release of my tightly held shoulders slipped away as I heard the birds sing and the quiet of the morning begin to awaken the mountainside.  It was a sweet time with the Lord, just me and Him…not really discussing much, but Him offering me a much-needed time of solitude in the mountains that I love so much.  The colors placed in sight were just beginning to turn their vivid hues of deep red and gold on a blanket of deep forest green.  The midst on the mountain reflected a hint of a rainbow that floated above the valley.  Yes, a reminder once again of God’s faithfulness in and through all things.

See the faint rainbow just right of center? This was my view from the porch!

​Sacred places are where God shows up and gently reminds me of Himself, of His provisions, His care, and His heart for my life.  Sacred places become evident when I intentionally take notice.  I’m sure there have been many times in my life when He has offered those spaces and I haven’t taken time to stop and soak it in!  Often, He has to intervene and get me to slow down or stop, just so He can pour more of Himself into me.  I’m guilty of depleting quickly and running my tank low.  The source of His life-giving fuel never runs dry and is readily available to those who will stop and fill up!  I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about stopping to refill…but also, it’s about stopping to take notice, and soak in the many sacred places where He longs to meet us.  Remember, trust is at the heart of intimacy.  Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, stop and soak in God’s trustworthy heart for you.  Take notice and see past the obvious, for therein lies intimacy that is Holy.  And what is the meaning of holy?  Set apart – Separated.  We need to remember to take those moments, for if we don’t…they will certainly find us!

​Other benefits that come from an intimate heart toward God is faith, courage and bravery!  As I thought about this concept this morning, the Heroes of the Faith flashed before me.  During hairy situations and seemingly impossible tasks, these heroes accomplished great things but only because of their faith in God.  They were chosen by God and were intimately close with Him.  Their lives were amazing and you can read about them in Hebrews chapter 11. 

​I wonder what their personal diary or journal might have written in it?  I would assume, probably a lot like David’s with cries of frustration, shouts of praise, questions of uncertain outcomes, and reflections of God’s faithful past and hopeful thoughts of the future.  Yep, some things never change!  Isn’t that what we do whether we write them down or not?  It’s all a part of trusting His heart for our lives.  Intimacy.  Allowing Him to do His good pleasure in and through us.  Him drawing us closer to Himself so that we may know and be known…the sacred place where He longs to meet with us.

​So again, I challenge you to stop and soak in God’s trustworthy heart for you, whatever situation you find yourself in today. Take notice and see past the obvious, for therein lies intimacy that is Holy, and the Spirit of God will fill you with courage and bravery.  Pause to reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness...you'll find yourself learning to live by faith.

Hebrews 10: 32-38
32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 
33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 
34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property,
since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 
35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 
36 For you have need of endurance,
so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 
37 For,“Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,  and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Spend some time reflecting and write down the moments that you consider sacred and a gift from God.  Do those times show up as randoms moments when the patterns of your life call for special attention?  Do you often take notice in the time and places and relish them as love gifts from heaven?  Take a moment now to whisper a prayer thanking Him for those sacred places.  Perhaps today you need a courageous heart to help you face the next hard moment.  Don't throw away your confidence.
Here's the thing, we have need of endurance and our Father is right there, cheering us on!  He provides the Holy Spirit to guide us to do His will and to comfort us when life is tough.  He knows us well and desires Himself to be known because of His great love for us.  It's a perfect love, with perfect trust, for faithful hearts.  It's a Sacred Place.

Be Encouraged,
Sherry

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