In His Presence

Still in Tumwater, we attend church with Nancy and Craig. As we walk through the doors of Evergreen Community Church, it’s immediately apparent that a lot is going on. A number of tables are set up around the perimeter with displays for sign-ups for various activities. From the ceiling hang signs directing people to nursery care, children’s rooms, and other places. There are several monitors in the corners showing what’s going on in the worship center, a huge auditorium with stage and musicians. The monitors also have an inset of what is on the large video screens. I notice the drums and guitars and fear that Tom will have trouble at this service. Loud, repetitive praise music is not his kind of worship.

As we walk through the doors into the worship center, the sound is as loud as I expected. We don’t know the first songs, and with only lyrics on the large screens, we can’t sing along. I think to all of the unfamiliar psalm settings we sing at the monastery, but with the musical notes printed we can follow confidently. As I sense Tom’s tension mounting, I reflect on what I have been reading. I remind myself that if I am finding God in myself in the quiet times, I am also trying to stay connected with Him in the busy times. With the volume and activity on stage, this is definitely a busy time. This is a time to remember that God is in these people and He is in this place.

I close my eyes and pray, “Lord, help me to be still in this place. Help me to be present to You. Unfold my resistance and let it slip away, so that I am fully present to you. Let me be present with the people here who seek to worship You.” Then I wait. I ignore the lyrics. I repeat, “Be still and know that I am God” and let the prayer diminish until I am focused on stillness. Then it happens, another brief moment out of time. I am fully present before God, and I weep. I cannot describe the feeling, but it is utter peace, utter fullness, utter rightness.

As I sense the rhythm of what is going on around me change, I open my eyes. We are singing a song I recognize, and I lift my voice in joyous communion with God’s people. I have experienced an important lesson: I can find God in an unfamiliar place.