Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.

– Psalm 85:8-13

Not long ago (somewhat surprisingly) my son-in-law asked me, “Do you have a favorite word and if so, what is it?” Even more surprising to me was that I had an immediate answer. I have always loved the word SANCTUARY. I love every aspect of it because it carries multiple meanings for me - a sacred, holy and hallowed place, a confessional place to pray, a house of worship, and God’s home. It also guides me to thinking about protection, refuge, solemnity, comfort, safety, oasis and inner joy. I love the word Sanctuary.

After having read and reread Psalm 85, I have discovered another meaning of my favorite word. The Psalmist poetically writes about a time that is coming “when love and faithfulness will join together and when righteousness and peace will kiss.” This scriptural image leads me toward seeing Sanctuary in a new and deeper way. As Lent is a time of preparation and spiritual reflection, perhaps you will join me in reflecting on this meaning of sanctuary…when love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace come together in celebration of a glorious world to come as promised by God our Father.

PRAYER:

Lord I pray, during this Lenten season, please gift us with the kind of sanctuary that brings our hearts and minds closer to love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace. Amen.

– Sandy Conaway