May 10: Sanctuary

So I’m watching The Mask of Zorro (again) a couple of weeks ago—the one with Antonio Bandaras, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins.

I like the scene where the army is hot on Zorro’s heels and he dives into a church to hide. He winds up in the confessional playing the role of priest, and escapes just in time when the real priest enters the room.

The idea of sanctuary—of running to God and God’s house as a place of safety when the heat is on—is an appealing idea, a welcome relief. King David of Israel found himself in that predicament on more than one occasion. He wrote a song (Psalm 27) to express his feelings:

“The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy." (Psalms 27:1-6)

Are you feeling the pressure today? Under the gun at work? Overwhelmed by the demands of parenting, marriage, finances? Seek refuge in God. "Sanctuary" exists, but it's not a place, it's a person. Time in conversation with God can restore your confidence, reorient your compass and re-establish your foundation.

David had more to say:
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. "(Psalms 27:13-14)

You don’t have to wait until you die to see God--just wait for Him now. To see His goodness in the land of the living—here and now. Right now, why not pause and seek Him? A little time of Sanctuary may be just what your soul needs—a reprieve from the pressures of the day. Conversation with your Creator way change your perspective on things.

And remember, when conversing with the Eternal Creator of the Universe, it’s a good idea to do more listening than talking.

~ Father, still and quiet my heart right now. Help me to hear you even while in the midst of the roar of daily pressures. Be my Rock and Shelter. Amen.