Something's Bugging Me

Sanctuaries Offer Sanctuary

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

I get it. I get why the mighty woman of the Bible, Anna, went into the temple and stayed 80 years. She prayed. Respite within that sanctuary captivates the imagination. Perhaps it all began in a moment taken in the quiet of the sanctuary offering sanctuary. Perhaps it began at the temple gate imagining what it would be like to spend time within. I only know it ends elsewhere for most of us. It ends not in a temple, but in quiet silence. No matter the hour, no matter the place, He is ready to meet us when stillness beckons, “Come to Me all who labor and are weary…for I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Imagine the pull that drove this early sister in Christ to do such a thing. It’s a crazy world in which we live organized law and order; imagine how easy it was back in Anna's day to do the unfathomable betraying not only yourself but others in your path. With a peek out the door one could no doubt witness much. Not unlike today where we need only turn on the news or computer to downloaded into the senses things of this world. Once exposed, the heart drops and now, we must drop. Drop what we do, and go to the quiet.

The release of the world’s nastiness has to go somewhere if one chooses not to recycle. Into the trash it goes as onto our knees we must drop, and into the sanctuary deep we run for reprieve from a world which tries to not only entangle but ensnare. Refugees we are, running from that which we desire respite. Where does one drop? Into which temple do we go? Where do we run when weary of a world that delivers nothing but empty promises?

Truth in the quiet offers not only holy conversation but sustains and maintains stability upon the landing of life. The goal is not perfection. The goal is not to be taken captive in a world that enslaves. The goal is not to go unscathed in a scathing world blaring boldly. The goal is to be still. To be still before the One we adore.

When you heed the call, do not fear. “Fear not, lo I am with you always. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God who strengthens thee; I will help thee always; I will uphold thee, always” Isaiah 41:10).

Centered are we because He alone centers. And that is precisely why Anna did not want to leave the temple but stayed night and day to pray to her Holy God...our Holy God. “For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father” (Gloria Prayer).

Things fall into place as You take Your place center stage…within. We need merely present ourselves at the altar, wherever that altar may be. The altar where you are present is the gift, for that is where He is, seated at the right hand of the Father. Lead us not into temptation, but lead us into the temple of Your holy ways over our own. .“For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father” (Gloria Prayer).  Help us to find sanctuary in the sanctuary as You call and we respond. Blessed be Thy name.  Amen.