GAZING INTO THE SANCTUARY (PSALM 34:1-7)

REFLECTION Gazing into the sanctuary is the theme for our reflection. A sanctuary means refuge or safety from pursuit, persecution, or danger. It may also mean a safe place for someone being chased or hunted. Gazing into the sanctuary means focusing on God as our refuge and protection from danger or the enemy’s attack. The…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jul 9, 2025

2–3 minutes

REFLECTION

Gazing into the sanctuary is the theme for our reflection. A sanctuary means refuge or safety from pursuit, persecution, or danger. It may also mean a safe place for someone being chased or hunted. Gazing into the sanctuary means focusing on God as our refuge and protection from danger or the enemy’s attack.

The psalmist who was believed to be David found God to be his sanctuary therefore he proclaimed, “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:6-7). Dear friend in the Lord, we are limited in our capacity, finite in existence and feeble in strength; therefore in the midst of threats and attacks or where danger is imminent from human or spiritual enemies, gaze with prayer upon the Lord. The Lord is our only dependable and indestructible sanctuary. It is for this reason we are again assured in Psalm 91:7-10 that “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague will come near your tent.”

Beloved in Christ, our faith in the Lord should lead us to trust and focus on Him as our Sanctuary. David’s secret of overcoming His enemies was that he had a deep and strong relationship with the Lord therefore, he comfirms that “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, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:4-6) In other words, our only hope and salvation in this world is the sanctuary of the Lord. Fear not and do not despair when you find yourself in any form of attack or persecution, for the Lord continues to be your sanctuary. Shalom!

PRAYER

Almighty God, strengthen our faith to understand and believe that you are our sanctuary amid adversity and challenges so that we may smile at the turbulent storms with the conviction that in You we live and have our total liberation, restoration, protection and salvation. Amen