The Presence of the Holy

“Spiritual truth, like music, is apprehended on a deeper level than it is ever comprehended.”

During last Sundays worship I found myself in an uncomfortable position. The choir was singing the anthem of the day, which they usually do before my sermon time. The anthems are always nice, but I have to confess that I am usually getting myself fortified to “go on” while they sing. I am paying attention, but I am also gathering my energy for something else. But as they sang last Sunday, suddenly the power of the music grabbed me by the throat. I got choked up, which isn’t good if you are about to stand to preach a sermon. Something in what they were singing got hold of me. I really don’t know why.

This happens to me with music. I am amazed how piece of music can suddenly make me stop what I am doing. Sometimes a piece of music can bring tears to my eyes. Why? This can happen with music I have never heard, music with which I have no prior emotional connection. Does anything like this happen to you?

I am usually a little embarrassed by this emotional response, as if it was some kind of weakness or oddity. In fact, it is contact with the great depth where God is most readily experienced. It is a holy occasion.

There is a deep richness within all of us, but often it is unknown. It surprises us. It catches us off guard in a moment of beauty, or of suffering, or of human connection. We may be quite moved without knowing why. Artists are familiar with this part of themselves, but many of the rest of us are blind sided by it.

The presence of God is always apprehended on a much deeper level than it can ever be comprehended. In other words, you experience it long before you can even talk about it, much less understand it. Part of our spiritual life is to explore and to become comfortable with this spiritual depth. If you are stuck in the rational and predictable, you limit what you can know about God. You also force God to surprise you, which isn’t always pleasant.

To learn to live in this depth is a key to full and abundant life. Living in this depth means there will always be something new, something refreshing. Gratitude is the currency at this level of living. Wonder is its language. People who know this depth are vital and energetic, regardless of age or circumstance. God has taken hold of them, and their lives are not their own.

Does this sound strange? Pay attention the next time a lump forms in your throat at the sound of some music, or at the laughter of someone close, or the beauty of a place that is special to you. You may be in for revelation that could change your life.