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english paper i wrote this year "Sanctuary"

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he restores my soul... Psalm 23:2-3” As my thumb skims over these verses, I suddenly feel at rest. This sudden peace, I know is from the Lord, he is my savior who is like a ravishing sanctuary that lives in my heart. Softly my soul is nourished by his amazing grace. God restores my heart and makes me new again. He is my refuge, my rock.


Everyday I am reassured by the echoes of his creation. Quietly the mighty waves whisper lullabies and hymns of God’s peace that lies in my heart. I am a petite pea plant rooted in the earth, standing still in confidence, watching his love pour over me. In God’s arms, all is motionless, all is serene. His arms are puissant yet gentle and overflow with grace. Lying down on the bare earth, I look at the brilliant, shining diamonds that light up the sky. At this moment, all is calm, as God reveals the beauty of his craftsmanship, the work of his diligent hands. Large chestnut trees sway back and forth, as if they were waltzing at a grand ball. The taller trees tip their hats to the shorter ones, creating a rhythm of olive greens and charcoaled colored bark. Wind caresses through each crevice of the ancient branches and my heart is overjoyed. Creating beautiful mosaics in the sky of bright oranges, and pale yellows, God takes me out of my stress and into a secret, peaceful place. Reminiscing I think of that wobbly wooden, rusty bridge in Honduras. Huddled together my team and I squatted on the bridge, our bronze legs dangling over the edge as we starred dumbfounded at the stunning masterpiece in the horizon. Looking out, we saw the marvelous mountains and suddenly felt diminutive. “Indescribable,” I whispered under my breath. Our feet were bare, our hearts were light as we were breathless, astonished by the ravishing and towering mountains. The tranquil waters were a stunning teal, washing up towards the lush, fruitful shore.

“ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff comfort me, Psalm 23:4” Instantly everything goes pitch black, no slim silhouettes , or vague shaped figures, everything is murky and dim. There is a lighthouse in the distance, I now see it, and I dash towards it, realizing that it is God, that even in darkness he is my refuge, my comfort, my strong fortress. Times of distress, do not get me down, for I know God will help me persevere and will comfort me.

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2” Through all of these moments, God has shown me his peace, that peace and a sense of refuge can be found, if I confide in his mercy and his everlasting love. Hums and whispers of God’s mercy and his amazing creation captivate my soul and set it free, like a bird taking flight. God is my sanctuary; he is the quiet, melodious hymn in my life that takes me to a secret place.

posted by Lesley @ 10:17 PM