According to Celtic Christianity, ‘thin places’ are moments or locations where God’s presence seems intensely close and reachable. They are places where it seems as though the boundary between heaven and earth has become somehow porous.
Thin places are where heaven and earth seem to meet. In a strictly physical sense, I liken this feeling to experiences on airplanes. When it seems as though I should be able to reach out and touch the clouds.
On a more spiritual level, I have experienced these ‘thin places’ in tranquil and special locations. I have sensed them high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and in the Alps in Italy. I have also felt them along seashores, where it seemed as if I would be swallowed up by the sea and the sky and the vastness beyond. And I have felt them in woods so dense that it seemed as if the trees and grass could be inhaled.
Although I cannot explain these sensations, I know that some kind of barrier is lifted. I am granted tiny glimpses into the unseen world. As Christians, we know that there is a world beyond us. A world that is far greater than we can imagine.
Immersed as we are in this temporal, physical world, the unseen world is all too often hidden from our sight and perception. Our spiritual life flounders because we are preoccupied with everything around us.
We do try to reach for the unseen. For that world, realm, or reality that to us seems mystical. It’s like something in the distance, often too far away for us to grasp or see clearly. This is why we need thin places in our lives.
Thin places in our lives
I’m sure you’re now you’re thinking, “I didn’t know Sheila was a mystic.” That’s because I’m not, or at least I don’t see myself as one. I think I’m far too practical.
Yet, there is a yearning in my heart. It’s a longing that I quench too often. God has made me aware of this lately. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit. Without His nudgings, I would surely drift away from the Lord, and become more and more of an earthling.
Old age is a thin place
I’m getting older. That’s no big news, is it? We all are. But I’ve noticed some interesting things as I age.
One change is that my heart craves the eternal more and more. Perhaps it’s because old age itself is a thin place. Even the components that make up our bodies are getting thinner: our skin, our hair, our bones, and even our grey matter.
Age is mostly a thin place, though, because each passing day brings us one step closer to the eternal. We are eternal beings, even though many religions and belief systems deny this truth.
We are merely temporary earthlings. Our true home is in another world. We don’t feel at home here because we were made for more. Day by day, age brings us closer to that blessed home.
If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.
C.S. Lewis
Nature can be a thin place
God’s hand is all over creation. He made it, He maintains it, and He holds it all in place. Scripture tells us that He speaks through these works of His hands and the heavens declare His glory. God uses this beauty to draw our hearts to Him, drawing us upwards into ‘thin places’ where we often find it easier to connect with Him.
The thin places of quiet
Quiet times can also be ‘thin places’ because it’s easier to focus on God in the stillness. These could be quiet walks along peaceful shores or through silent woods, for example. The best ‘thin places’ on Earth, though, are the moments we spend in prayer and contemplation with our morning coffee. During these moments spent with God, heaven seems to open and we get to know Him better.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
The thin places of difficulty
Sooner or later we all experience difficulties. Unexpected expenses arise, inflation hits, illness strikes, or a family member passes away. Our funds dwindle as the bills pile up. Our days grow dreary as we lie upon our sick bed.
Yet, strange as it may seem, it is precisely these difficulties that bring us closer to God, fostering greater trust and faith. This is not because God is more faithful at certain times than others, but simply because our need draws us closer to Him. Because deep in our hearts we know that the One holds the universe together, can certainly take care of our little world.
I’ve learned that many of our greatest lessons and blessings come through hardship. It is in these thin places that we feel closer to God, can hear His voice and fully realise who He is.
God’s thin places
God wants us to draw close to Him, so He has also placed own His ‘thin places’ in our lives — those places where heaven and earth can meet in our hearts. His Word and His Holy Spirit are thin places for us. They bring heaven down to us. They break down the barriers that prevent us from drawing near to God.
The thinnest place of all, however, is the cross. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, the heavens were opened wide. Every barrier between God and humanity was abolished once and for all. Every wall between people could be dismantled. With the cross, heaven and earth met, because God became man.
Thin places bring us closer to God
As finite beings in this temporal world we need “thin places” where heaven and earth can converge in our lives. These places can help us to remove the barriers and distractions that hinder our connection with God. As these barriers are removed, the ‘thin places’ in our lives become more pronounced. This gives us more space to seek God, to hear his voice anew and sense his presence in a fresh way.
If you find yourself in a ‘thin place’, see it as an invitation from God to bring you closer to Him. Take this opportunity to spend time with Him. If you’re not in a thin place, then find one. God is waiting there for communion with you. You were created by Him for this very purpose.
In true thin places the heavens open wide, God’s presence comes down, and we draw closer to the fellowship with Him that we’ve always desired.
Signora Sheila
What an interesting post. I have heard this before, but never had it exolsined so well. Yes, as I sometimes say, “The Cross is the place, where we can see Heaven from earth.”
Oh, I love that Pastor Pete! Where we can see Heaven from earth! That’s marvelous!!
Amen. Wow, what a powerful post. đź’š
I’m glad it spoke to you! Actually, it spoke to me too. I need those thin places!!
Thanks for reposting this. I fully understand how age is a “thin place”, partly because I don’t care about worldly things like I used to, and my heart does yearn to be in heaven with the Lord. No death wish, just the acknowledgement that I was made for more, as you said, and waiting for it is hard. Our finiteness should move us to a deeper union with our Lord; I’m learning more and more how incredibly powerful, masterful, majestic, and beautiful He is. He really does call us into these thin spaces.
Yes, Dayle, he does call us into the thin spaces. My prayer is that I will heed His call!
When worries come, I go to the Father and find rest. Have a blessed day! :-)
Amen!
LOVE THIS! Living in thin places. Recognizing our stuff doesn’t define us or really satisfy. Age is a wonderful leveler of all playing fields. Beautifully written, my friend. A wonderful reminder of what matters most. Jesus truly is our enough. And worry never helps anything!
Thanks Dayle! Yes, age is a wonderful leveler. It changes so much, and it comes to us all – rich or poor, unseen or prominent. And yes, yes, yes – Jesus truly is our enough – and then some!! I love that thought!
I really like your comment about how in thin places there’s simply less clutter to cut through to reach God’s presence. That’s a great perspective to have. Thanks for sharing.
Thin places is something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately, Eric. I so long to dwell in his presence. And if thin times is what it takes to get me into a thin place where I can be with him – then bring them on!! Nothing compares to his presence!! God bless!
Excellent word Sheila! I have to remind myself of this often. Although not in full time ministry, with a large family and some choices made, I don’t have any retirement either. Yet, I know God will continue to provide when I do hit that age and time to retire. Thank you for sharing this.
I know what you mean Tom! We had plenty of tough times even before entering “full time” ministry. Life can be difficult at times for us all. But thankfully, we have God’s loving arms always holding us up! I love your testimony and the things you share about how he is caring for you and your large family! Numbers make no difference to him!! God bless!