I first heard that title-phrase–thin places–from a woman in my writers’ group. (Thank you, Colleen!) It refers to a location or moment in which we’re more aware of God’s presence, where the veil between heaven and earth seems particularly thin, and we experience a taste of how glorious heaven will be.
Someone might say, “But the Bible says so little about our eternal home. How do we recognize those thin places?”
A few examples may help. Think of a time when:
- You encountered a breath-taking panorama of woodland flowers amid greening trees– on a day of sublime spring weather. Did your heart fill with praise to the Creator for such beauty and perfection?
- You found your skin tingling and your eyes stinging in response to music. It may have been a moving classical piece like Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a rousing hymn such as Great Is Thy Faithfulness, or a soul-touching worship song like Christ Our Hope in Life and Death (Matt Papa/Keith and Kristyn Getty). And during the moments those lovely notes lingered, were you carried on wings of splendor into the heavenlies?
- You received an unexpected gift, a note of genuine appreciation, or a sincere affirmation. Did a wave of bright euphoria sweep through your spirit in response to this delightful love-expression, and did your heart turn to God with overflowing gratitude as the One who inspired it (James 1:17)?
- A prayer was answered—more perfectly than you imagined—or an over-the-top miracle unexpectedly materialized. Were you rendered speechless by the glory and wonder of it all?
Just think:
If we celebrate astonishing beauty in this world . . .
. . . if we’re carried on wings of splendor by events here on earth . . .
. . . and if we experience euphoric moments within imperfect relationships . . .
. . . what pleasures must await in heaven that Christ was willing to die, in order that we might enjoy them with him?
Let the thin places be a reminder: Though the earth is full of God’s glory (Isaiah 6:3), heaven offers more—much more.
Let that thought lead to praise.
* * * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, Father, for those times and places I’ve sensed your intimate presence, when my heart felt strangely warmed as if touched by your holy hand.
I praise you for the fullness of joy you provide here and now in spite of my sins and shortcomings. How precious is your loving kindness, O Lord!
With happy expectation (a delight of its own), I look forward to the day when you’ll walk me through the veil and I will dwell with you in your glorious realm forever!
(Psalm 23:4; 16:11; 36:7; 23:6)
When or where have you encountered a thin place? Please tell us about it in the comment section below!
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From the Inside Out 
Nancy,
I had never heard these very special moments named as Thin Places. A great way to explain it. How can you not look at the beauty of nature or receive a yes answer to a prayer or many other blessings and not thank our awesome Father God. Deeply appreciate your blogs. Always an inspiration.
Love to you and Steve, Janet
I’m so glad Colleen introduced me to the phrase. It’s a delightful way to describe those experiences. I agree with you that such moments make clear we have an awesome Father God! Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Janet! Wish we could turn back the clock, sit in the driveway on Saturn Ave., and solve the world’s problems!!
Nancy, hi! I appreciate all the examples you’ve shared of the ‘thin places.’ It’s a phrase I’ve not heard often, but I’m grateful for every glimpse of His glory. Nature, music, deep relationships, creativity …
No doubt there are many categories. I have a feeling the more we’re aware, the more we’ll notice–right under our noses!
Oh, I’ve experienced thin places to numerous to count, Nancy! One actually happened today during Danny’s five-hour surgical procedure to correct the electrical signals in his heart. When I was beginning to taste that hint of worry, the nurse/receptionist called to reassure me that yes, he was still in surgery, but it was going very well. What a relief! I thanked God right there and then, and felt His incredible love and care for us. Also, in my books, I do mention thin places. Are you familiar with the novels? You can check them out at http://www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade
If you are interested, I’d be happy to send you the first two for free. Just let me know at the website.
Blessings!
How wonderful that nurse/receptionist called to reassure you–just at the right moment! God is SO good to reaffirm his goodness, grace, and love to us over and over again. Thank you for taking the time to share your encouraging story! P.S. I WILL check out your books, Martha!
“Thin places” – I love that phrase! I’ve been writing about those times for three years now and didn’t know what they were called.
Little “coincidences” that mean more to me than they would to anyone else – like a “private joke” between God and me.
I think we have thin moments at my church when we’re singing a hymn or worship song, and for the last verse the instruments stop, and the congregation is singing acapella in four-to-six-part harmony. It’s like a taste of heaven. ❤
Oh WOW–a whole congregation that can sing like a choir?! Sounds amazing! I’ve had musical tastes of heaven too. One stands out in my memory. Back in the 1990s we participated in the God with Us cantata by Don Moen. God augmented our efforts greatly that day and the result brought goosebumps. As we sang Moen’s beautiful melodies, harmonies, and heart-touching lyrics, I thought, “This is what heaven will be like!” It may not be long, Annie, and we’ll be singing in heaven’s choir!
Exactly! Heaven’s choir will be amazing!
Yes there are Thin places for those who often think of the love of the Lord,the list is very lengthy for me like ,the seedling,a beautiful bird chirping,the special time of my daily prayer,the delectable breakfast,the birth of a child,the healing of a covid patient,the death of thousands of people around me bring tears out of my gratitude for his immense love,care and blessings for me and for all my loved ones.I have received many Whats app messages in the last few months which say that the Lord cannot help anyone during this pandemic because the Churches,Temples,Mosques,,Synagogues,Gurudwaras and Fire Temples are all shut ,I wondered at their intelligence because they are only looking at the dead bodies but are not thinking of the billions who are alive and living normal life.Thank you very much for sharing .Take care.🌹🙏
Francis, you are highly alert for the thin places! You’ve got me thinking that my gratitude journal is really a list of thin places where God is reaching into my life with his love and goodness! You’ve also got me thinking about the importance of perspective. When we focus on what’s wrong in our lives and the world, we miss so many of God’s blessings–don’t even notice them. Thank you for sharing your insights, Francis!
Love this post and the reminder to keep our awareness open to thin places. Thank you for visiting my blog this week!
You’re welcome, Linda–I’ll be back! So glad you enjoyed this post. (I need the reminders too!)
Absolutely beautiful and thought provoking post!!!
I felt the presence of a thin place recently when I went deep sea fishing a few weeks ago and the waves were ginormous..I was so sea sick but even then it was such a teachable moment from God as I reflected on the story of Jesus calming the sea…I need to blog about the experience!!
I too have been out on the ocean in some choppy waters–just 6 or 8 foot waves, but enough to render me useless. I’ll look forward to reading the post about your experience, Alicia!
Ya that’s a good way to put!!
I love this term and have applied it to many places in my life. Took me awhile though to see the hidden holy in all my ordinary nooks and crannies too. Lovely post,Nancy
Me too, Jean. ‘Still working on the habit of noting the thin places in the nooks and crannies, but making progress. Daily entries in a gratitude journal have helped!
What a great expression Nancy. “Thin Places”.
They are very real and waiting for receptive humble hearts.
You’re right, Gary. We have to walk humbly before our God to experience all that He has for us (Micah 6:8). HE’s the One who engineers the thin places, and warms our hearts at such moments. We cannot manufacture such experiences.
Although I have experienced the blessings of ‘thin places’ I had never heard of that expression! Just today I saw a hummingbird on one of Mom’s flowers and marveled at its speed, beauty, and construction. The Lord has created so many beautiful things for us to enjoy here on earth. Just imagine how glorious Heaven will be!
I’m so glad God gave us hummingbirds too. Such a unique bird, I never tiring of watching them hover and drink at the feeder. Occasionally they’ll swoop in toward us, quite close to our faces. Some experts say they’re just curious. I like to think they’re trying to thank us for the fresh nectar we provide all summer! (However, they do make me a bit nervous. One peck with that sharp beak could do a lot of damage!! : ) )
Had never heard this phrase before Nancy, but after reading your explanation, God gave me a thin place moment a couple weeks ago when I received a beautiful note/card from a friend who was thanking hme for helping her to resume her walk with Christ, as I had been with her and talked and prayed with her a couple hours after the unexpected passing of her husband three years ago. It really touched my heart.
She touched your heart as you had touched hers. God often works that way–he engineered a thin place for both of you!
Beautiful. ❤
Thank you, Anna. Praise God you found beauty here!
Very beautiful post! I have wondrously experienced some of these thin places in my life. (The photo of the baby being kissed is so amazing!)
Thank you, Sheila. I love that photo too. The baby’s posture seems to say, “I love you too, Mom!” Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Thank you, Nancy. I hope we all have moments like these.
I think we do, but we’re not always paying enough attention to realize it!
nicely penned Nancy💖
Thank you, Cindy, for stopping by!