Wednesday, November 20, 2024

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

This must’ve been sometime in early 1999. I was running late for church, and when I pulled into the parking lot, I could hear the saints singing. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit wash over me and a sudden jolt of anxiety burst open in my soul — like a can of soda pop that had been shaken hard. I yelled out loud, “Oh my God!!” I slammed my foot on the accelerator, threw that car into a parking space, jumped out, and literally ran down the driveway into the church building.

After that day, I was rarely ever late for church. To this day I still have feelings of anxiety if it appears I’m running late for church. Most of the time, I’m the first one in the parking lot.

I love church, but I have not attended any services in recent months. Something happened that caused me to back away from attending church at the building site. I now use social media access when I feel the need to join in fellowship with other believers. But that former feeling of running to the church building isn’t there anymore. I can’t put a direct finger on it, but I know it’s not there.

There’s a Bible verse in Hebrews 10:25 that says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some (like me).

I don’t have a problem neglecting attendance, but I do have a problem with that condemning verse. I know how to get into the presence of fellow believers when I need to, but the intensity to run into the church building seems long gone.

If I continue to neglect church attendance, am I being disobedient to God? Have I left my first love?

I know the kind of church I want to attend but it’s not available to me right now, and I refuse to attend a dead church. Ain’t gonna happen!!

I want that feeling back where I jumped out of my car and ran like a gazelle into the building and worshipped God like it was my very last time.

Does that church exist in 2024⁇⁇⁇⁇

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove