Worship Comes in Plain Packages

“And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” — 1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV)

Sometimes we need a sanctuary in the middle of despair.

Sanctuary doesn’t have to be in a church. God uses any place to reveal Himself, and often nature is a place He chooses to get my attention.

From the moment my son died, I became an instant beacon for other families in crisis and grievers, and I went full bore into helping others. I wanted everyone who crossed my path to know that God saw them and that they were not alone. But a year later, I was utterly exhausted and wondering if God was near to my own heartache or if He would bring relief to the constant trials.

My family was hurting deeply, and our sanctuary moment occurred in a random park on the edge of a lake in the middle of Houston. My husband wisely realized that the kids needed time to run and play after touring and being in and out of the car for a couple of days. Like Elijah, we were exhausted from the constant barrage of grief, sickness, and difficulty we experienced back home. We needed a respite.

We weren’t looking for God. Yet, chasing each other, climbing, and exploring was just what we all needed to lay bare our wounds before God and allow him to feed our souls. What we didn't expect was the hour of delight my kids took in watching the numerous fish jumping in the lake. They squealed with laughter when a fish jumped close to the dock and splashed them. Brian and I sat on a dock bench, soaking in our kids' enjoyment and sharing the quiet moment to worship together. It was easier to hear God.

"I am here and just as I provide for these fish, I am and always will be your sustainer."

That small, intimate moment prepared us for new aspects of our journey. My husband changed jobs, I began the process of becoming an author, and the kids started to receive answers for their numerous health challenges. Just like Elijah, we came back better, refreshed in spirit, and aware that we are not alone.

Elijah stepped away from constant conflict, threats, and the loss of other prophets like him. “God is your portion” would have sounded like a trite appeasement in the moment. He had been walking in obedience to God for years. God didn’t even chide Elijah. Instead, He let him retreat, sustained Elijah with food and water, and gave him rest. Then and only then did He meet with Elijah. Quietly. Gently. Powerfully.

Sometimes worship will happen in earth-shattering fashion, together with fellow believers. (Acts 4:31) We are in God’s sanctuary with our arms raised, singing and praising Him, and the walls shake. Other times, worship is found in working as if we are doing it for the Lord. (Genesis 39:2-6) Worship can happen in our darkest, weakest moments when God does the work of being holy and we do the work of being still and knowing Him. This was Elijah’s moment, it was mine, and it may be your moment too.

Questions for Reflection:

Describe a moment you felt the furthest from God. How did he meet with you and show Himself to you?

How can you encourage someone else who has been doing what God has asked of them, yet feels discouraged?