We should never be afraid to come to church thirsty
I have read several articles lately about how people aren’t comfortable going to church when they don’t feel like they have it all together. They are hesitant to go when they feel sad or depressed. They decide not to go when they are upset or angry. Sometimes they decide not to go because they are wrestling with God in some way.
Unfortunately, it’s when we are struggling that we need God the most. It’s when we need to worship the most. When we are really hurting or feel the most desperate is when we can probably benefit the most from taking our focus off of ourselves and placing it squarely on God.
When we are barely keeping our heads above water, is when Christian community is supposed to step in and throw us a life ring. We are called to remind each other of the love of Jesus. Jesus, himself, said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31-32
I think that speaks to two groups who equally need to feel and share in love and grace. Sometimes we are struggling through no fault of our own. We live in a broken world and bad things happen. We suffer losses, or we get sick, or we feel short on faith. We are soul-sick in some way and we shouldn’t wait until we heal to go to church. Church can help us heal; so we should feel comfortable coming thirsty or empty.
The second group I feel like Jesus is addressing is those people who have made some bad decisions and they need to repent and ask forgiveness, which, let’s face it, if we are honest, should be most of us, on a regular basis. However, sometimes, people feel like they have messed up big time and church is no place for them.
Jesus says repeatedly in the Gospels, that this attitude is wrong. He came to save everyone, not just the righteous or the people who have it together. He came to redeem all sinners and he can redeem any situation, whether we created it or not, but we have to be willing to give it to him. He will not wrestle us for it.
As we journey through Lent, maybe we should consider our church attendance. Why do we go? Why do we not go? Do we attend when we are feeling our worst? Do we believe that all of our sins, not just some of them can be forgiven? Do we believe that our lives are worth something and redeemable? Jesus does and so should we.
We should never be afraid to come thirsty.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂