Enter with thanksgiving

 

      4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

         and his courts with praise; 

         give thanks to him and praise his name. 

      5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

         his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Ps 100:4–5). 

Sometimes things in life make you appreciate and understand scripture more so than when had not experienced them.  Take for instance when scripture takes about that suffering produces patience strength and hope.  You and I can't really grasp the concept until we endure some type of suffering.

This pandemic COVID-19 has affected so many things in our lives; some of it we are currently recovering from and some, well, who knows when it will go back to normal.  Most churches have opened back their sanctuaries for in person worship, but some still have not.  My prayer in the midst of this shutdown of houses of worship is that when doors open back up that church goers would come to appreciate the significance and importance of being able to worship together in person.  I cannot speak for everyone but for myself, when we came back together on June 14 to resume worship my heart was overwhelmed with thanksgiving, praise, and joy.

I experienced this one other time, when after a major surgery I was unable to attend church for over 12 weeks of recovery.  Many of you may have experienced the same type circumstances, and can understand that feeling. You understand what it is to miss being in a house of worship.

Don't misunderstand me, the technology that has allowed us to worship virtually was a great short term solution.  I know people will say that they can worship at home on TV, internet, or radio.  There is some truth in that because yes you can.  However, there is not substitution to being around the people of God, for the worship of God, in the House of God.

There are still some that are unable to be in person for worship for many reasons.  For you know that we understand what you are going through, and know that you are missed and we look forward to the day that you can join us again.  Then you as well will experience the joy of entering with joy and thanksgiving in your heart.  But until then, stand firm, believe, and rejoice in knowing that this too shall pass.

Chris