You know I love God and going to church. So for me, being sick and not being there since December 21 has been a very long time indeed. Today I felt well enough to go. I sit on the front row and figured I wouldn't be breathing on anyone. I also steered huggers away just to be on the safe side. Getting the flu was awful and I don't wish that on anyone!
I'm glad I was there today. Today's was a very moving service. The pastor started out by having the entire congregation come together at the front of the church for prayer. It was a very unifying time. And for me, it was nice to be among my extended church family again.
At the conclusion of his message, instead of us singing an invitation hymn, they played "Lord, I Need You" on CD, the same song the congregation sang at the beginning of the service. It was so cool. As the music started, we were in prayer mode, but you could hear a low sound all around as people quietly sang or hummed along. I felt the words seeping into my core, my own undeniable need apparent. There were tears in many eyes, mine included. Who doesn't need God? There is none without sin, as the Bible tells us.
Often times I think people go to church playing a part, presenting a view of ourselves to the world's eyes. But God's eyes still see what's real, beneath the facade. Without faith in His promised eternal love and care that would be a scary, to think that He sees what we try to hide. But with faith comes assurance and so it's not scary at all. Who else would best know the real you, but your Father? That's comforting, I think. Then He can help you get back on track when you fall.
I'm looking forward to getting back in the swing of things at church. But I think my 'break' gave me fresh eyes to look around. Perhaps that's the silver-lining in my awful cold experience. For starters, I want to remind myself every time I'm there that it's not my church. It's God's church and for Him to work His plan I have to simply be there for whatever He calls me to do, and pray that His Will Be Done in all things. It's not about me or anyone else. God is so good and is the only One worthy.
