Church and Soul Food #2

Why church?  Who needs it when my family rolls in feeling like something the cat drug in?  

ME.  

I need it BECAUSE I roll in feeling like something the cat drug in.  Here's reason #2 for going to church and more on the soul food I find there...

{2. Going to Church Is a Place to Experience God's Holiness}

You know, that day of rest God took for himself on the seventh day?  God not only rested, He made it HOLY (Genesis 2: 1-3).  I am no expert, but I think that means the Sabbath, the day of rest, is extra important for you and for me.  That brings me to another point.  I have to recognize that I am not in the business of holy things, but the ministers at my church have made God and His holiness their business.  They know more about observing HOLY days than I do.  For me, that's a big reason to go to church, to experience the HOLY day God intended for me.

 

Jesus assures us that when we gather together with Him in mind, He will be there with us (Matt 18:20).  I don't know about you, but I need a definite time and place to be with God to keep me grounded each week, and church is a place where that happens on a guaranteed basis (if that isn't the case, it's time to make a change).  I want God to fill me with His Holy Spirit and go to town in my heart.  He makes me a much better person than I make myself.  I can't go into the world and make a difference sharing God's love if I don't regularly and purposefully allow God to nourish my soul.

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11: 28-30

  

I was thinking about this passage on Mother's Day.  As a mom, I find myself weary and burdened all the time!  I am a thankful and blessed woman, but that doesn't mean I don't get tired.  I imagine, I am not alone.  Any of us who choose to take our responsibilities, relationships, and professions to heart, are vulnerable to hitting a wall, feeling overwhelmed, and just wearing ourselves slap out.  And it seems to me, the more heart and soul we pour into what we do, the more vulnerable we become.  God knew this about His people.  That is why He created the Sabbath.  If God, in all of His divine glory, thought it was necessary to take a break from His work creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 2: 1-3), then who am I to think I don't need to take a break too? 

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being my ever-present, LIVING God.  I pray you will work on my heart and soul and in my life, restoring me, energizing me, refreshing me with your Holy Spirit.  Help me bring glory to your Holy name.

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray,

Amen



Have a blessed day,

This post is part of a series on going to church.  For related posts, feel free to use the links below.

1. Sundays and My Not So Silent Confession
2. Church and Soul Food #1- honor God and humble myself
3. Church and Soul Food #3- make the smartest decision
4. Church and Soul Food #4-join in Christ's family

5. Church and Soul Food #5- renew your purpose