As Believers we sometimes seek shelter and security from a
fallen world, but where do we go to find that refuge?
Psalm 71:1says: “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me
never be ashamed.” In that statement the psalmist proclaims two things: 1) The
Lord is his refuge. 2) He trusts God and is never ashamed to seek refuge.
A refuge is a safe haven. It’s a place we trust and feel
secure. I want to discuss two types of sanctuaries, or refuges, God provides for
His children.
First: The man-made sanctuary in a church. Depending when we
visit a sanctuary, we find either a one-on-one refuge with God, or we seek
refuge with Him, along with other Believer’s.
Being alone in a sanctuary, with no disruptions, away from a
world of heartbreak and distress, we find God always has time for us. We don’t
have to knock; His door is always open. It’s almost like He’s expecting us.
He’s there to listen and talk to us, about Him.
As the body of Christ, Believer’s meet in a sanctuary and worship
God. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says “For where two or three have gathered in my
name I am there in their midst.”
When we’re in the sanctuary of a church, we’re in the midst
of God’s refuge.
In the sanctuary we’re with others who believe as we do.
Together, were alone with God in meditation and prayer. We’re not ashamed. A
feeling of oneness permeates the atmosphere.
Second: The sanctuary hidden within each of His children,
which is the Holy Spirit.
In John 14: 16, 17 Jesus tells His disciples:
“I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper
that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world
cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him
because He abides with you and will be in you.”
The time a Believer spends with the Holy Spirit is often
spiritually intense. The Holy Spirit knows both our thoughts and the thoughts
of God, and He harmonizes them. Regular visits with the Holy Spirit transform a
Believer’s relationship with God. The visits lift up and do not shame the
Believer.
The sanctuaries of God fulfill different needs in the lives
of Believers. God is a spiritual water fall, and both Believers and sanctuaries
belong to Him and are in His House. So, whenever they want, through prayer, His
children can go home and shower in His warmth, love, acceptance, and security.
They may repent, find strength and assurance, or just give
thanks; whatever they need. He’s always home and listens; no appointment necessary.
God’s sanctuaries, or refuges, are for those who belong to Him;
His children. He provides them as a bit of heaven on earth. In His sanctuary
Believer’s find Him, and the key that unlocks the chest of blessings He has for
us.
All scripture is from the NASB
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