Christ is in Our Midst

“Christ is in our midst” is a greeting used in part of the divine liturgy in the Orthodox church. It’s a welcome reminder that at the same time Christ is in the center of our relationships at church, he’s in the middle of the solar system and our entire being. Amazing, the Mighty One who created the universe lives in us. Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us “The Lord your God is in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Think about it. We have an amazing power source living inside of us. This authority shows itself most effective in our weakness. Imprisoned and embattled, the apostle Paul said it best in 2 Cor. 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

It helps to remember He is mighty, He is supreme, He is ruler. It is at His discretion that men are made great and given strength. With this awareness of His indwelling presence, discouragement will be gone and we will be filled with great joy. “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”Jude 24

The first part of the Orthodox greeting said by one person to another: “Christ is in our midst”. The response by the person greeted, “He is and ever shall be!” What a comfort this is to us who have invited Him into our lives, that He is the One who centers us with the peace of His presence. The result? Joy, hope and renewed expectation of great things to come!

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for being the center of everything. Thank you that you specialize in using the weak, weary and wounded. Thank you for being in our midst for ever more! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”