The fire alarm went off this morning during praise and worship. Our precious time of worship was interrupted with strobe lights, beeping, and a recorded voice telling us how to evacuate the building. Our worship team continued, as if nothing happened. At first, everyone looked around, all the while singing and praising. Pastor stood up and let us know that our staff was checking to see the source of the alarm but that there was no fire.The children were being evacuated from their classrooms in the lower floor as a precaution because their safety was a priority; and if we felt safer outside we could do so. He assured us, there was no fire. And so the band began to play again. No one left. I looked over at the teens to see if my son and daughter were looking for direction from their father and I. But they seemed unmoved. And so, worship continued. Soon the voice and alarm were silenced, the strobe lights continued a bit longer.
At first, the noise and lights were distracting. I really had to concentrate so the distraction didn’t take over. And it occurred to me… this is life. Looking out around the congregation It seemed calm. Despite the lights, the incessant beeping, and the recorded voice repeating evacuation instructions over and over it looked like nothing was wrong. This is what life as a believer is like. If we don’t practice peace, the noise of this world and contrary instructions will distract us from our purpose. Of course, when there is possible danger, the first thing we do is protect the children. Take whatever precautions are necessary to ensure their safety. But then we turn back to the source of our strength and peace.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Or we could leave the sanctuary, our place of refuge in the shadow of the Almighty. Not trust. And worry. Why when God promises us that if we stay in Him, He will stay in us. In fact, God tells us 365 times in the Bible, not to worry. Once for every day.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2
Despite the noise and distractions, that’s where I want to be. Practicing peace.
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