Reflections for Youth - Places We Find God

As we head back to school and into new daily routines - Think about this:
Where are the places that you most feel connected to God?

For some people, it's during worship on Sunday.
For some people, it's out experiencing nature.
For some people, it's around a table with great food and friends.
For some people, it's laughter and moments of joy  - or even through tears and moments of sadness and sorrow.

I've been thinking about this a lot over the past few weeks as our Old Testament scripture has taken us through stories about King David and King Solomon.  Several weeks ago, we read about how David brought the Ark of the Covenant (the chest containing the tablets from the Ten Commandments, among other things) back to Jerusalem.  He wanted build a great structure - a house for God - the scripture says. But, through the prophet Nathan, David learns that this is not God's wish and God promises David one of his children will someday build a house for God.

This ark is a symbol of God for David and the people of Israel.  It reminded them that they belonged to God and they wanted to keep it close where they could see it, keep it safe, and be reminded of God's love for them.  But God reminds David (through Nathan) he has always been with them and traveled with them and doesn't need a special place. 

God said “I took you from the shepherd’s pasture and made you a shepherd of my people. I have stayed with you, no matter what. When you die, one of your sons will build a house for me.”

So, jump ahead to this week's passage.   In the book of 1 Kings we see that God's promise to David comes to fruition. His son, Solomon, is now king of Israel and with the help of King Hiram from Tyre they use the finest woods and stones to build a temple. According to the scriptures, it took seven years and was the most beautiful building anyone had ever seen.The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the temple.  Solomon created this elaborate and fancy place were people could come, worship, and be connected to God.  

The story of Solomon building the Temple can be found in 1 Kings, Chapters 6-8.  

The truth is - though- God (like he tells David) is always with us everywhere. We just need to be paying attention.

I do believe there are places where we feel most connected and feel the presence of God.  I feel God's presence when I come together with other people to worship on Sunday, But, I also find God in the woods, in the animals that I see in nature, in the sunshine, in the laughter of children, and in the sound of a crowd singing along at a concert.  

This week think about the places where you feel the most connected and pay attention to where you might be experiencing the presence of God. For me it's anywhere I feel, see, or recognize love in the world.  How about you?