Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary in
Waterloo, SC rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned or injured wildlife.
This sanctuary is a place where native animals and birds in distress can be
brought to receive the loving, wise care they need.
In Psalm 63, David is looking for
sanctuary—not for wildlife, but for himself. Feeling like he is traversing a spiritual
desert, David seeks not physical healing and renewal, but spiritual care.
O
God, you are my God,
and
I long for you.
My
whole being desires you;
Like
a dry, worn-out, and waterless land,
my
soul is thirsty for you.
Let
me see you in the
sanctuary;
Let
me see how mighty and glorious you are.
Psalm
63:1-2
As I read this scripture, I wondered, when David uses the word “sanctuary”,
to what or where is he referring? Does he mean the part of the church/temple building
where worship is conducted on the Sabbath? Or, since David spent years running
from enemies at home and abroad, does he mean a place of refuge and safety, where
he is protected and can recoup, rather like Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary? Could
David simply be referring to quiet moments when he shuts out the world and
draws close to the mighty, loving God who has carried him through so often in
the past?
Over time, I have discovered a variety of faith-renewing
sanctuaries—not all of which can be found with a GPS. Early Wednesday mornings,
a small group from our church meets for 30 minutes of guided prayer and
reflection before work. It is the spiritual highlight of my week. That honest
and open time together, sharing concerns, questions, and God moments from the
past week, acts as a sanctuary where I am refreshed and renewed in my spiritual perspective and strengthened in my relationship
with Jesus.
Another “place” of sanctuary for
me is in the quiet moments of the day, before my interaction with the world
begins. I look forward eagerly to the hour between 5AM and 6AM. There is a hush
inside and outside our home. It is a holy, intimate time—shared just with
Jesus. As the new day dawns, and nature and humanity awaken, I am readied to
face the day.
Our church sanctuary, where we
gather every Sunday for worship, is a time and space set aside for shutting out
the pull and push of the world to focus on our holy and powerful God. For me,
the occasions when I feel rescued, rehabilitated, and released by what happens
in church is when others share their “But God. . .” moments during praise time.
Like David, we all need to "see God
in the sanctuary"—wherever that sanctuary might be. Where do you find spiritual sanctuary?
Be encouraged!
©2018 Pamela D. Williams
