Something inside no one can touch

I recently watched a television interview with an actor who starred in the movie "Shawshank Redemption." The actor told of his preparation to play the main role in the story. To prepare, he asked to be placed for a period of time in solitary confinement in an actual prison. He wanted to participate in the undesirable scenario so he could assume the proper frame of mind to take on the identity of the central character, the criminal.

He told about his experience in solitary confinement. Even though serving time there was voluntary, he still was forced to spend the time alone. People asked the actor how he survived the ordeal for the prolonged time he requested.

"It was difficult," he said. "But it was possible because I reached inside myself to fill the void. Regardless of what happens to you, there's a place inside you that no one else can touch."

Wow, what a powerful statement -- "There's a place inside that no one else can touch." After contemplating the declaration, I agreed. That place inside is the space where God dwells, the place where you can retreat and be alone even when you're in a crowd.

That place within people can be the oasis where you can find peace, love and companionship. You need never be alone. The actor was correct when he said "it is a place where no one else can touch." I've never been in solitary confinement in prison, and I doubt that most have, but everyone has been required to spend time by himself or herself when they must entertain themselves and maintain sanity. Sometimes thoughts are all we have.

It's a wonderful fact to know -- that everybody has a room that only he can enter. Knowing the truth of the statement, you have to wonder what kinds of thoughts you normally possess. Do you attempt to control what you think about, or do you let your mind wander aimlessly? Since your thoughts are living, make every effort to watch what occurs inside your private space. Is it inviting? That core inside can be your lifeline. Sometimes, what you believe and think about is all you have to keep going. You can either build yourself up or tear yourself down, all within that inner space. Or that spot inside can be your garden of rest, peace and contentment where you hear God speak. It can be filled with loving thoughts of you, others and your life. You can pray and recall successes and happy times and set goals, knowing that it really requires only you and God to make them happen. You can grow a kaleidoscope of good, all inside that awesome place.

That space can be the Kingdom of God as is stated in Luke 17:21. "The kingdom of God is within you." Whether you're placed in solitary confinement or choose the silence, know that it can be your greatest ally.

When you recognize the significance of having the kingdom of God within you, you become a different person. You know that God is with you all the time. You need never feel that you're by yourself because God is your constant companion. What an exciting revelation. One would hope all Christians know God is within, but when you dissect the knowledge it changes you. You become more loving, more confident and you love yourself more -- knowing you are a child of God. You will become a mirror through which others see God.

Without being able to withdraw into yourself you lay yourself open to stress, fatigue, fear and irritability. Visiting there is like taking a cold drink of water. "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."

I urge you to nurture that sacred space and weed out the bad. It's your friend -- providing a refuge when you need it most.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.