By Terry Wade
One aspect of coming to Wilshire is the sense that folks who attend seem very intentional about being present. There is an atmosphere of seeking — members come not out of habit but attend for a purpose, however individual that might be.
Many are here today because we seek a new or revised perspective on some aspect of our lives. Some of us need comfort and reassurance that life is survivable because of issues beyond our control. Others seek affirmation that we are traveling a spiritual path that moves us forward toward God’s goals for our lives. Others are looking for answers to questions that may not have answers. We may be searching for life goals bigger than our personal perspectives and want to join others who have expressed similar concerns, questions and spiritual dilemmas. And where better to find what we need to move forward than in a Sanctuary of worship that welcomes all seekers?
Today’s Scriptures offer guidelines for entering God’s presence for worship and leaving with a sense of renewal. Isaiah calls us to look to the folks who helped us be where we are today. Do we hear echoes of parents, former teachers, friends? Are Wilshire voices enabling us to rethink our spiritual journey to include more than we had previously considered possible? Psalm 124 challenges us to consider where we would be if the Lord had not been on our side in the hard times. While we have felt the Lord’s presence in the painful moments, the Scripture also offers implications that once we are through the difficult episodes, the Lord provides us opportunities for new starts and do-overs where we can choose God-centered decisions.
As we engage various aspects of worship today — music, Scripture, prayer, thoughtful exegesis of Scripture — we will find multiple opportunities to be drawn into God’s presence and purpose for each of us. Each element of the service can recenter us on God’s priorities. In this hour of worship and sanctuary, the doors can open wider to understanding ourselves and one another and the world in which we live. We can find new roadways into God’s presence. We may even leave with a sense of being rebirthed to face life with deeper understanding and courage in the coming week.