A LONELY CHAPEL

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 104:10

Tuesday night after work hours and I was the first one to arrive for a kitchen ministry.  Could I be the only one not eating dinner? Driving?  It was that rush-hour time of day and we all can only do our best.  But it wasn’t a big deal to me.  I had this church all to myself for now.

Not a peep was heard from outside even though the church is on a busy road.   Nothing was able to invade my peace.

The first time I had a quiet time in this particular chapel it was right near Christmas time.  The chapel was softly lit with a beautiful tree, some electric candles in the windows and the warmth of my favorite company – Him – evoked my own inner joy and comfort.  It was like the hush quiet of Christmas night already.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all  your heart. Isaiah 58:9 

I felt like I came home, with a warm loving presence awaiting me. Although I couldn’t see Him, I could feel a special Presence. It’s the best home-coming on earth knowing that Someone who loves me unconditionally is ready and waiting for my return. And we delight in each other’s company!

Ever think it would be great to go to a place where nothing stressful or annoying can enter and you’re safe too?  That’s what it’s like to sit with the Lord. Everything else fades away.

Seems everyone is too busy to spend 5-10 minutes with Him even where they are (home, school, car, sports field, work).  Of course we all think ‘He knows and understands.  I don’t even have enough hours in the day to do what I have to do.’

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Jeremiah 29:11

To an extent – I think they are right in thinking that.  But God wants their time and attention.  He knows we have jobs to do and families to care for, but He also wants us to remember who gave us life in the first place. And He knows exactly what’s going on with all of it.

No wonder He says there will be no faith left when He comes back!

The chapel is lonely and God awaits someone to sit and talk with Him.  Just like in the beginning of time, He created this world to have companions in His gardens and the rest creation.   He is said to have visited the garden and people every single day.  They enjoyed his company and He visited with them and walked with them.  He also parted wisdom.

He is there for us all the time but a majority of us won’t be there for Him when He returns. I feel sorry for so many who don’t meet him in some place on a regular basis, let alone a quaint chapel.  He misses seeing the benches filled.

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.      Psalm 17:6

Since Christmas season last year I had come to anticipate quiet time throughout the year with God and planned my weekly meeting to achieve that.  Of course I pray several times a day anyway regardless of where I am, but that chapel had become a special meeting place.

Now this year, the tree still glows and the pointsettias line the whole alter, candles glow in the windows, but the ministry I had been doing that gave me access to the quiet chapel on a regular basis had been discontinued and I can feel the loss in several ways –the worst is that I miss having that quiet time on my knees at the alter, under the lights of the tree and candles.

I’ll be happy to keep Him company any time of the year!  I hope others will meet us there sometimes.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  Psalm 18:2