Scripture: Isaiah 57:15

"For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity...I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit..."

Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson

Where does God dwell? Where is God to be found? If you're looking for God, where should you look?

Isaiah, the prophet, gives a two-part answer. One part is no big surprise. God dwells in "The high and holy place." That's sort of God's expected address, "High and Holy."

But God has another primary dwelling, a second address, and one that comes as a surprise. God dwells "With those who are contrite and humble in spirit." God makes his home at 5715 Broken Spirit Drive.

We might imagine, and there seem to be plenty of people who will tell you that it is the case, that God resides with those who are full up, on top, standing out and who have arrived. God is with the winners. God is with those who are doing good and doing well, who know what the right side is and that they are on it. But sometimes people who dwell at that place are so full of themselves that there's just no room for God.

God finds room with people who aren't full, but who are empty. God finds a dwelling place with those who aren't totally satisfied with themselves, but who experience some godly sorrow, some wish they had done better and some knowledge that they haven't. God dwells with those who know their need of God. When that's where we live, when our address is "Broken Spirit" or "Contrite Heart," God can and will find a dwelling place with us.

Prayer

"The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51: 17)

About the Author Tony Robinson, a United Church of Christ minister, is a speaker, teacher and writer. His most recent book is Changing the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations. Read his weekly reflections on the current lectionary texts at www.anthonybrobinson.com/ by clicking on Weekly Reading.