Thin Places
Posted by pastorbill09 on March 31, 2009
Celtic tradition speaks of “thin places” where the barrier between the material and spiritual worlds is permeable. Usually that’s associated with a particular location. But I think we Christians have our own thin places. We come across them especially in prayer. But there are other places in our lives where the barrier seems to drop or become diaphanous.
As we approach Holy Week I find myself trying to be especially aware of those places in my life where I can encounter the presence of God more nearly. Sometimes that happens through music. The music during Lent is often set in a minor key. Many people find this depressing, but I find it compelling. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m naturally melancholy. Whatever it is, I find myself drawn closer to God through the music of this season.
Becoming aware of the thin places in our lives, I think, is one of the great joys of the spiritual life. It is a marvelous gift to be in the presence of God, to realize that we can never truly be beyond God’s grasp (Psalm 139 comes to mind).
Where are the thin places in your life? Where do you go physically or spiritually to find them?
Peace,
Pastor Bill
Bill Clark said
Experiencing the presence of God:
I fully agree with you, Pastor Bill, that experiencing the presence of God “is one of the great joys of the spiritual life.” It has been my experience that this presence occurs with or without seeking it.
(1) Experiencing God’s presence without seeking it: God touches many people without Him being sought. There are many examples in the Bible and there are many such events made evident by the testimonies of Christians. Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) is probably the most famous event in the New Testament. Often, when God’s presence comes as a surprise, the person receiving it is overcome with intense emotion and emerges from the experience with such great joy that words are insufficient to describe it. My heart is warmed when I read of these encounters or learn of them directly from a Christian who has been touched by God in this manner.
(2) Experiencing God’s presence while seeking it: We can and do seek the presence of God by our own deliberate actions or by emersing ourselves in an environment where His presence may be encountered. We should, of course, feel His presence while praying. We are thanking, praising and beseeching God when we pray, so we hope to experience His presence. I often feel His presence when I am reading Scripture, or related commentaries or sermons. Sometimes I am touched by His spirit when I hear a sermon, sing a hymn, or hear beautiful music. I believe that most of us have experienced God’s presence by these means. I would add that I have often experienced God’s presence when I am alone in field or forest observing and contemplating the miracles of nature that God haa created.
I conclude that each encounter with God, whether sought or not, whether dramatic or subtle, is realized only by God’s grace. God touches us according to His will, not ours.
It would be gratifying to learn how you, dear reader, have encountered God.
I pray that all will experience the great and lasting joy of His presence.
Regards, Bill