Day 17 – Issue 12

Be Still Know

Psalm 63:2 NLT

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.

People like me who have grown up in the United Kingdom are familiar with statues and stained-glass images of Jesus and a variety of biblical figures. Yet, such images were forbidden within Judaism, and so when the psalmist declares, ‘I have seen you in your sanctuary’, what is he referring to?

The objective of any journey is normally the destination. So a pilgrimage in pursuit of God is built around the objective of seeing God. In much the same way as the psalmist, we are invited to gaze upon God in the sanctuary. Yet, how might we perceive God?

One way is to take a familiar Bible story and imagine ourselves in the very scene itself, engaging as the various individuals described by scripture. Another method is to gaze on a cross or crucifix which can draw us to contemplation of our Lord’s agony then resurrection life. One thing is certain, that God can be encountered through contemplation as he equally can through reason and understanding. We need both – the one to enlarge our heart, the other to equip our mind.

However we encounter God, we will be left with a clear sense of his awesome majesty and glory. Even if you wrestle with feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy, it is possible to find a way through to gazing upon God’s power, and to hear his voice calling you beloved and accepted. We must come to rest in God’s truth about himself and God’s knowledge and acceptance of you and me, or we reject the reality of the Lord of all creation.

QUESTION: How goes your gazing? Can you discern God’s power and glory?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you are awesome in your majesty, and yet you comfort me in my weakest moments. Thank you for your strength and love.