My Mom always told me growing up, that if you can't sleep, you should pray. She said it was God's way of wanting to talk to you, so to be open to what He may say to you during those long nights.
I have relied too much on friends and our church to carry me. I am the first to admit that I am quick to fall when others around don't hold me up. It is hard for me to keep going when I'm running low on gas... when there's a lack of accountability, lack of interest, lack of hope (on my end).
What is the church's role in our lives? Why do you go to the church you do? Is it because of the community, the worship, the friendships, the message... what is it that you love? Why do you continue to go there? Is it because you have gone there your entire life, or is it because that's where you are fed?
What do you do when your well has run dry? Is it the church's responsibility to quench your thirst? Who do you turn to when you need lifted up?
Lots of questions... but really, I'd just love some answers.
I lift up my eyes to the hills- Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1
Thank you. You have such a way of writing that challenges me, makes me look into my heart and examine where I am in my relationship with Jesus. Your friendship is so precious to me! Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI hope you eventually got some rest last night. Reading this made me realize that when we went to church regularly, it was mostly for the sense of community. That's why when we moved the first time, to a larger city, we chose to attend a church where we already had friends. After that we moved to an area where we knew absolutely no one and because of that, I've found it hard to find a church where I feel that community... I'm relatively shy around new people so this is a big challenge for me.
ReplyDeleteMy FIL is the pastor, so we're kind of defaulted in.
ReplyDeleteWe don't really have small groups or anything like that and have just started the more structured Bible Studies (but unfortunately, no one really seems to like them), so a lot of my religious life is solo...but I'm just not always good about spending time in the Word daily when I'm not accountable to something or someone else...hence the Bible Study on my blog!
I love what you said about questions and wanting some answers. I find myself in that place often.
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