God will dwell wherever He is welcome, making even the broken places holy ground.

Several years ago I sat on a moss-laden boulder wedged in the soil high above the river streaming through the valley below — a stream set in purpose, a stream of life, a stream of beauty even as it flowed over broken branches and places filled with jagged rocks.

It flowed steady.

God Will Dwell Where He is Welcome, Making Even the Broken Places Holy Ground

A meadowlark sang its song of praise in the mountain laurel just over the knoll. Turning my head towards the song, my spirit quickened deep inside. I recognized God’s whisper:

Holy ground. This is holy ground, Nan, because I am here with you. Even in the broken places. Even in the places of gut-wrenching anguish, it has been holy ground because I have been with you. You’ve never been forsaken, nor forgotten. Not once have I left you in your pain. And I am with you now. Holy ground, Nan. This is holy ground.

I gripped my knees in an embrace and rested my face against them, tears soaking into my jeans.

Even in the places of gut-wrenching anguish, it is holy ground when God has been invited in.

Not bitter, angry tears.

But sweet, thankful tears.

Tears struck with awe at the thought of such a good, good Father.

A holy God who loves me enough to carry me through my darkest night.

Is God Welcome in Your Difficult Place?

Sweet friend, I’m learning that even our most difficult places are holy when we invite the Lord into the tear-soaked shadows. His abiding presence makes it holy ground, illuminated with hope and peace.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for my God is with me — in this place. God will dwell wherever He is welcome.

Is He welcome in your difficult place?

Selah

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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.

Sweet blessings to you,

NAN