THE THRESHOLD DOOR INTO THE NEW YEAR-A GLIMPSE INTO COMMUNITY LIFE AT HARVEST SOUND CHURCH IN THE HEART OF NASHVILLE
Built in the early 1900s, The Foundry is one of those buildings that carry history in its aged brick walls. It holds stories that have been told throughout the years and some that only a few of us have heard. Located in the heart of Nashville TN, it is home to the loving community of Harvest Sound Church. It is also a unique venue for a variety of events that happen there as well. Many people from near and far open the sturdy wooden door of that building, enter inside and leave never the same. Is it the building? No, it is because they are met by the presence of God, a beautiful, powerful presence that changes lives for the better. The incredible news is that the love of God never fails, and it meets us all right where we are! Each of us is currently at the doorway into a new year, and here at Harvest Sound, we are excited to welcome you in with us as we cross over and let God be at the threshold!
When we think of the bricks, mortar, and concrete floors of Harvest Sound Church, we do not naturally see it as being welcoming or cozy. Instead, we think of strength and a firm foundation that will age well over time. Yet as we open the door to enter, the sweet sounds of worship and prayer envelop us and suddenly we begin to feel very at home. This is why we know that it's not always about a specific building or place that tells us we truly belong there. Interestingly, at times the most picturesque house can feel unusually cold and empty, but a small cottage will thoroughly charm you. There are various designs and structures of buildings, and they all speak to us in unique ways. But rather the question is... what do we feel as we enter?
There's something about when we step into an unknown place that brings it into a new perspective. It’s distinctly different than only seeing it from the outside. We open ourselves up to experience it in all its fullness and possibility! Sometimes there can be confusion about what we are feeling exactly in the moment, but eventually, we’ll start to understand. Then there are also those specific times we walk into a place, and we never forget the experience of it. In those moments it feels like we have arrived somewhere of great value...that we were born for such a time! There’s that feeling of belonging to something so much bigger than us. It pulls deep within and makes us feel known in ways we cannot even begin to understand, and we wonder how it happened so fast.
What if we would view the transition into this new year of 2024 like we are entering the house God wants to construct with us? If we have Him abide in the forefront of it all, then everything we encounter would face and acknowledge the Keeper of our doorway! Our daily challenges and struggles must bow down to the One who guards the entrance of the home that God is building. In Ezekiel 10:4 it says “Then the glory of the Lord rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord!” As we surrender our place in this new year to God and invite Him into the entering of the unknown and newness, He will be the foundation and glory we will be surrounded by! He’ll be what makes each of our unique buildings into a home and the people we meet in this next year will be able to experience God through it all. We will be full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord!
Approaching a new entryway can be exciting or even intimidating at times. Yet when the threshold is guarded and kept by God, we have great hope and peace because He is Sovereign overall. Let us joyfully progress into the unknown of this next year and enjoy creating the house God will make into a home. One that He can fully inhabit!