When was the last time you experienced the “joy of the Lord?” What I mean by that is when was the last time you were in a situation in which the presence of God was so very real that you just couldn’t help but smile or in your own way give praise to God? In some ways what I am speaking of could simply be identified as a very “holy moment.” Just recently I witnessed someone experiencing a holy moment and feeling the joy of the Lord. And because of their holy moment, I too experienced a holy moment and felt God was near…and it truly was a joy filled moment!
What happened is that on a recent Sunday morning as worship was just about to begin, I was at the back of the worship center waiting with the acolytes, the children who light the candles. On that Sunday, there was a young girl about to participate in the candle lighting and she had the biggest smile on her face. I asked if this was her first time lighting the candles and she got an even bigger smile and nodded her head. Cindy, who is often the helper in the back getting the wicks lit and the youth ready to go, confirmed that this young lady was very excited!!
It was obvious that this girl could barely contain her joy and excitement. The music began, the wicks got lit, I nodded my head indicating it was time to go, and together with the girl and her fellow acolyte leading the way, we made our way to the front of the worship space. Both candlelighters did a great job and when the girl turned toward me after lighting the candles, there was an expression on her face of pure delight. She had the hugest smile on her face. Indeed, this was a holy, joy-filled moment for her.
As I paused to pray after the acolytes left the platform, I asked God to be present with all of us in this time of worship like God was present for that girl. “Lord, may we all experience the joy of your presence as this girl did as she lit the candles.” Sometimes I wish everyone in the congregation could witness things that I see and experience during worship. But I’m also glad that I am able to witness those holy moments because it reminds me of why I do what I do.
Today as we go through this day and maybe even begin to prepare ourselves for worship in a couple days, may we be open to the presence of God with us, even in the “ordinary” days of the week. Such as yesterday as I was doing a project at home, watering a new tree that Nancy and I just planted this fall. I was noticing the beauty of the reddish leaves on the tree – how perfect, delicate, and bright it looked. I just marveled in that leaf for a moment.
That got me thinking about how often is God really near…but we fail to notice God in our midst? The truth is God is always near…always present…it’s just a matter of slowing down and opening our heart and mind enough to see God’s presence, love, and creative power. I’d love to hear some of your stories of when you felt the joy of the Lord, or when you experienced a holy moment and knew God was near. Our “God moments” don’t have to be big emotional moments, it can be something as simple as lighting some candles, noticing the beauty of a leaf, or…well, you can fill in your own holy moment from your life.
How about if we all approach this day, as well as come to worship this Sunday expecting to meet God in some simple yet beautiful way? Wouldn’t that inspire us all and ignite this church as we faithfully follow Jesus!
Pastor Keith