Four children, a two story home with a brick front, a large yard, 5 bedrooms, a spacious master bedroom and a luxurious spa-like bathroom… was what I had always dreamed of. Throughout the years, I’ve been blessed to acquire some of what I fantasized about, although I’m still working on the spa-like bathroom:)
Ahhh the memories each one of the rooms in my home hold. Most are good, but some not so good, lots of laughter and some tears. The rooms so full of firsts; first steps, first days of school, and first graduations. I could go on and on, and my heart smiles when I reflect on each special memory created. Now that my children are older, so many things have changed, even where I spend most of my time. Before it was the kitchen and family room, and now it’s still the kitchen, but the family room has been replaced with my office, which is now my favorite place.
My office is where I go not only to do work, but it’s also where I write, pray and practice stillness. It’s where I praise and worship God, prepare for my Bible study classes, and read scripture. It’s my sacred place, my escape. I can go there and be refreshed, or pour my heart out to God. I love to go there; to be away from the noise of everyday life demands.
I’m intentional when I go into my office. I go there with a specific purpose in mind, which is to spend time with God. Another aspect my office affords is privacy, because it’s a place where I remove myself from everything and everyone in the household, a place where hindrances are prevented.
And finally my office is a place of integrity and authenticity. I don’t have to put up a front, a show, or have to choose my words carefully, because it’s just me and God. I can bare my soul, not being preoccupied with what others think.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father
who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward
you.” Matthew 6:6
If you don’t have a place to escape to; regroup, refocus and get still before the Lord, I would encourage you to find somewhere. It doesn’t have to be an office or even a room per say, it can be a close or a special chair in the corner of a room. Just find a place where you can go to meet with Jesus.
When I go to my sacred place, I often have many things on my mind. Of course, I want answers and to hear from God, but sometimes it’s good just to go into the room with a spirit of gratitude. Because of my flesh, sometimes I have to refocus my thoughts to gratefulness since somehow my prayers want to continue to ask for things.
One of the ways God has used my favorite room for His glory is through writing for this ministry. Blogging for Choosing Him Ministries has helped me to develop an intimacy with God I didn’t have before. I now look at scripture in its context and not just because a specific scripture seems as though it applies to the situation I’m writing about. It has truly helped me to dive deeper into getting to know God, His attributes, and to hear what He wants to say to me. I have to get still to write. I have to fill myself with the Holy Spirit so that He can work through me, and I have to rejuvenate my thirsty soul seeking the only thing that can completely quench the parched areas of my life.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6
So, even though it’s ideal to have a place specifically designated to meet with God, in the scheme of things it really doesn’t matter where it is. As long as we are intentional, consistent and willing to give Him all of us, even the areas we find undesirable, He’s waiting for us to come to the Meeting Place.
by Angela Scott
CHM Contributor
