Sanctuary came to mind recently while I was sitting having a cuppa looking out on our very lush but quickly drying out Spring garden here in Australia.
So I thought we would explore what sanctuary actually is today while enjoying a cuppa together. For, I believe we all need a sanctuary from the stresses of life where we can feel safe, relaxed & rested, don’t you?
First, let’s grab our cuppas & a treat. I have a mug of French Earl Grey tea with a gf Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bar & we’re sitting in my dining room looking out through the large glass sliding doors to the garden beyond.
From this vantage point we can also see through the kitchen window, behind us, to the Jacaranda tree out the back which is in full Lilac bloom at the moment. Where the native Noisy Minors are hilarious in their acrobatic feats as they try & balance on the thinner branches while drinking sweet nectar from the Lilac flowers.
Why the word Sanctuary came to mind…
Lately, hubby & I have been contemplating a move from our home. The main reason was highlighted in Why is Rage bubbling under the surface of many today?
While the problem shared above has now been rectified, we’ve noticed over the years that the traffic noise has significantly increased, mainly during the day on this road into our little village.
Thus we have been looking at homes online that are in quieter streets in the area, so that if God leads us to move we have an idea what’s available.
However, as we do our research, we are both realising that our home is rather well placed, despite the increased traffic noise.
As it faces a beautiful Bush Reserve giving us the privacy we love, is just a short walk around the corner to the waterway & the Bay is at the end of our road.
The feeling of contentment that it’s our little sanctuary is definitely being reinforced the more we research what’s available.
What is a Sanctuary?
Let’s look at the dictionary definition first which is;
Sanctuary is a place that’s set apart from other places, it’s a place of refuge & safety. Often from persecution & danger.
So then from the above definition, a Sanctuary is a place set apart that we can take refuge & feel safe in from the dangers of this world. And that’s how hubby & I feel about our home.
But where did this concept of Sanctuary originate?
Did you know that this actually originated in ancient times & we see that God Himself first mentioned it to Moses in the following verse;
“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25: 8 NKJB
There’s a long history as to what constitutes a Sanctuary since, much of it relating to church history & persecution. But I won’t go into that here.
Is there a Spiritual Sanctuary today?
Yes & this Spiritual Sanctuary is open to all. It’s different from the ancient Sanctuary mentioned above, as it’s no longer in a building constructed by man, but in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
This is explained in the following;
Prayer
Does this Sanctuary matter what house we live in, in the here & now?
No, for this Sanctuary is spiritual, God dwelling within those who love Him. As Jesus promised in the following;
“… “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14: 23 NKJB
The Take Away
As I shared last week in We all love Treats, it’s all about learning contentment in all circumstances through Christ Jesus.
And although the traffic can be noisy at times, God has placed us here for a reason & we need to remind ourselves of that.
He will move us on if the time comes, in the meantime we can be content with our earthly sanctuary (home) because we have our true Sanctuary in Jesus.
May we come to echo the Apostle Paul’s words;
“…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” Philippians 4:11 NKJB
Keeping our eyes upon the upward goal of our eternal home.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
© 2025 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photos by Mikhail Nilov on pexels.com
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Jennifer, when we first moved into our home, our street was quiet with much less traffic than we see today. Like you, I have also talked about moving with my husband. This house is definitely our sanctuary away from the outside world, and it’s the place where we have been so blessed to raise both of our daughters. God has truly blessed us in many ways. Great post!
Thank you Stephanie! ☺️
Jennifer, I feel the same way when I look out at our backyard and woods. My home is a sanctuary, a place of comfort and peace fills me in knowing the Lord has surely met us here. Blessings to you, sweet friend. This was truly an encouragement to read!
You’re most welcome Joanne & I’m so glad you found encouragement here 😊
It sounds like many of us have experienced the world noisily creeping into our quiet sanctuaries, yet research shows we’re in the best place! We’ve added another water fountain to our backyard – it adds water sounds and attracts even more birds to our backyard which adds bird songs.
How lovely Lisa, water & birds are a great combination 😊
Our home used to be considered “in the country” when we first built, but life continues to build itself all around us. Traffic is now horrible. Yet I can still look out at the lake behind our house and see wildlife and huge trees. So it’s still my sanctuary too. Thanks for adding this to our One Word linkup!
It’s a pleasure Lisa.
Yes life definitely goes on around us, which is good in one way but not in another (traffic). I’m so glad you feel that your home is a sanctuary from the stresses of life too.
And it sounds like a lovely wildlife Sanctuary as well! 😊
Jennifer, thank you for sharing this whole concept of sanctuary. I’m resonating on many levels this morning, grateful for the ways that God provides for this longing, this need in our lives.
You’re most welcome Linda, lovely having you drop by today my friend. 😊
It looks like you live in a really pretty spot!
We do Joanne 😊
Hi, my friend! I am late in getting caught up with you here as things have been a bit busy in my world with a birthday a week ago with the joy of having our son home for the weekend as well as our oldest grandson (a third year Psychiatry resident) and his wife here for Sunday afternoon. Add a few more medical appointments to the mix and here I am with the topic of sanctuary hitting the mark for me (as do most of your posts even if I read them late). Thanks for these wise words and reminders. As you describe where you live, it looks lovely to me and I can hardly imagine the beauty of it all.
We have had a lovely long lingering early fall with sunny days but very dry conditions so our leaves that are often off the trees by now are just turning colors. Most of the trees on our near acre lot are maples and oaks. A few too close to the house were cut down a few years back as they posed a risk if a storm toppled them onto our house.
Thanks again for your words here. They were exactly what I needed today.
Blessings,
Pam
Happy belated birthday Pam! How lovely to have your son & grandson there for your special week!
Yes life seems to pass by so quickly these days, I can’t believe that the end of October has arrived!
Your home sounds lovely too my sweet friend. Maples are one of my favorite trees although we don’t have many here as they’re not native to Australia.
Blessings to you & may you enjoy the Autumn colours. 😊
Amen, the true Sanctuary can only be found in Jesus Christ! A beautiful post as always my friend!
Blessings,
Pam
Thank you Pam & blessings to you too 💕