Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)
I love old churches. I love sitting in the wooden pews, breathing in the decades-old scent of incense. I love the hushed silence as people gather together to worship. I love the acoustics when our voices are raised in song or prayer. I love hearing the organ play. I love when the sunlight streams through the stained glass windows. I also love it on Good Friday evening when it’s dark and there is only one small candle burning on the altar.
Most of all, I love the Holiness I feel when I enter – I’m in God’s HOME. I do my best to honor that with my silence and reverence. I’m in a place where I am fully focused on being one with God.
Now everything has changed. No more time in church. No more communion. No more singing with each other, or saying the Lord’s Prayer together. Now we Zoom to hear the word of God.
I consider myself lucky – we have regular online church services and morning prayer gatherings. We have online bible study and our priest is available for one on one chats as needed.
I can still stay connected to my church community but it’s difficult because it’s not the same. I miss it – the organ playing, the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, the murmur of voices.
I know you feel the same.
How do we stay connected to each other and God now?
I was chatting with my priest about those glimpses of God and she said “it’s easy to see God in nature, but how do you see Him when you’re at your home, living your life?” I admitted that it’s hard to feel God around me when I’m sweeping the floor or washing dishes.
So she gave me a challenge. Every time I wash the dishes, I should do it for the glory of God. I told her I would do so but it’s been a struggle. Then I realized doing anything for the glory of God means to do it with all I have. That I should focus on the task, take my time, and make sure I do it fully and to the best of my ability. I don’t always remember to praise God while I wash my dishes, but I pay careful attention as I scrub to make sure I clean the dishes perfectly.
In that moment, I’m making my kitchen sink a holy space for God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17, NASB)
Everything we do should be for God’s glory. It’s not easy, but it’s a challenge I’ve taken on. How can I praise God with every action I take?
I think of the early Israelites as they fled from Egypt – how God led them along their path as a pillar of fire at night and a cloud of smoke during the day. God dwelled among them – literally.
Does God dwell within me? They had the visual reminder of God’s presence every step of the way. We don’t have that – we have to find ways to remind ourselves of God’s presence throughout the day and night.
Where is God’s holy space with us?
It’s IN US. Sure, we have visual reminders of His glory and His presence, but the biggest reminder is when we draw breath because even that is for God and a gift FROM Him.
God is never far because He is in us and around us, blessing us with His love every moment of every single day.
When you doubt, remember that. You are surrounded by God’s holy space – even when you’re washing the dishes.
Gracious God, thank You for the reminder that You are with me every moment of every day. Help me focus more on You and to praise Your name even when I do the smallest task, for it is through Your glory that those things are possible. Amen.