“And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” – Exodus 33:14
Where am I going? Right now, I am physically going nowhere since I remain in social isolation. In these times of uncertainty regarding what the future holds, many of us are not sure where we are headed in terms of a life that has purpose and meaning.
Many of us are at home facing new challenges. Some have become teachers, learning how to make the time with their children instructive and meaningful. Some have become gardeners, pulling weeds and pruning trees to while away the hours outdoors. Some have become financial wizards, juggling a dwindling income to make ends meet. Others have rediscovered hidden talents like crocheting, writing, or sewing to fill the lonely hours. Wherever we find ourselves, we have unexpectedly been made to wear different hats due to unusual circumstances, and we may wonder, “Where am I going in life if this is my ‘new normal?’”
Fortunately, most of us are resilient. That means that when life hands us the proverbial lemon, we find a way to make lemonade. We are survivors. But are we as resilient when it comes to our spiritual lives? Have you wondered where you were going spiritually?
My spiritual life struggles in this quarantine situation because I am experiencing a deep void in it. I’ve come to realize how much I depend upon my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have heard it said that we don’t know what we had until it’s gone. Well, I must confess that is me when it comes to church. I always assumed church would always be there. But I was wrong.
Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” means so much to me now than it has in the past. I find that not only do I miss church; I need church! Watching services online is wonderful, and I am very glad we have the technology to do so, but it does not replace the physical nearness of other believers. It doesn’t replace the hugs that I crave from my sisters in Christ. I need the physical fellowship of other Christians, the conversations and the smiles, and I long for the day when we can be together.
Psalm 122:1 states, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” I also need the physical building of the church. There is something special about being able to go into the house of the Lord. I know that the “church” is not the building, but there is something very special about being able to worship in the sanctuary of the church that I miss. There are no distractions from my worship when I am in church. No phones ring, no dishwasher echoes from the kitchen, no neighbor’s lawnmower drones in the background. There is a serenity and peace that I only find inside the walls of my church. It’s a place where I can close my eyes, take a deep breath, and bask in the atmosphere of His presence.
Psalm 100:2 states, “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” I love music, and the songs of the faith can touch my heart in ways that no other type of music can. When I sing in church, blending my voice with others who are praising God, my inner being rejoices! I miss being part of the choir and the congregational singing.
But I have found that I, too, am resilient, and God has shown me ways to “keep connected.” I know that I can worship and sing in my own home, and I do. I know that God meets with me here just as He does at my church. I know His presence is always with me, and whether I am here or there, He is with me. I know I can make phone calls and send cards, but I still long for the day when I will be able to walk into my Sunday school class and greet the children that mean so much to me. I eagerly look forward to the time when the sanctuary will be filled with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and we will be rejoicing in the presence of one another! I anticipate that time with great joy in my heart and soul because “there’s no place like home!” I can hardly wait to be there again!
One day, when this isolation is lifted, I’ll be able to return to my spiritual home… to my beloved church. I will hear my pastor expound on the Word of God once more; I will hug my Christian sisters tightly again, and I will fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. It will be a glorious time! When I think about it, it won’t be that much different, I suppose, than heaven will be when I finally arrive there. I will be able to hug my family and fellowship with those who have gone on before me, and I will finally be able to see my Saviour face-to-face! Oh, what a moment that will be! I’ll finally be home!
You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
(from “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
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“Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” – Dwight L. Moody