As a girl who grew up going to church every.single.Sunday, missing church meant you were either extremely ill or incapacitated.  We were told you don’t have to go to church you WANT to go to church.  As a grown woman I agree with that statement…but to get to that point was a process.  What my parents impressed upon me was their belief…but it took time to make it my own.

Just like any journey of faith my heart grew and opened with time to see that when God’s people come together in corporate worship, He is there in a way that is unique and powerfully special.  When we gather together as a church family from all walks of life and different circumstances as one body and we collectively unify in His Name what happens is remarkable.  To feel His presence among us and offer our praise to Him is something that on our own individually we cannot experience.  God speaks in miraculous ways to each person who seeks Him and desires to hear His voice in a way only He can do and He proves Himself faithful to His promise.

I am so thankful that I was able to go to church today and experience that promise.  It might sound simple but I have missed it greatly these past weeks.  To be in the presence of the Lord in that way was such a gift to my weary heart.   It reitterated the belief that I don’t have to go to church…I WANT to go to church.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  Matthew 18:20