Do you ever get that sinking feeling on a Sunday? That heaviness in the heart which means just one thing: you don't want to go to church.
Maybe it's the people in your congregation - one or more of them has caused you hurt. Maybe, it's a sermon series that seems to be dragging. Or, dare I say, a minister that is driving you nuts with decisions that you don't understand. Of course, it may be that God is convicting you of some sin or throwing some difficult circumstances your way and your heart has become hard instead of submitting to his sovereign and good will. Maybe you have some key questions that you want answering - but the answers aren't coming at the moment. And the temptation is to stay at home for one week, or a month, or maybe just drift off until you feel more positive.
It's a painful place to be. It's a feeling that stands in stark contrast to other periods of our lives when we have been bursting with enthusiasm. Sunday is such a joy when we love our church gathering. It's such a burden when we don't.
Lots of us have been there over the years. Some of you may be there now. Deep down, you love God but you're struggling to show that love and be part of the weekly gathering of your brothers and sisters.
God's word to you is simple: don't give up.
The local church is, without fail, a place where things go wrong. Every member sins on a regular basis. Some of your sins will hurt others, some of their sins will hurt you. But it's also a place where we are called to bear with one another's failings and forgive one another (Colossians 3:13). It's a place where we are called to share our burdens with one another (Galatians 6:2). It's a place where we are called to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24). And, of course, challenge one another when we are becoming unfairly critical of others or unreasonably liberal with ourselves (Luke 17:3). All that, on top of the absolutely vital aspect of hearing God's word preached together and joining in singing God's praises, makes church an essential place to be. Without it, we drift.
Drifting is something that the writer of Psalm 73 knew only too well. He saw how others lived. He saw them getting their own way, living prosperously and not having to struggle with all the challenges that faithful living brings. And he envied them.
But as he stepped back from his situation, he gradually began to see the bigger picture. He saw the people who were having it easy, sliding towards judgement. He saw how glorious God is. He saw that God was keeping a hold of him, even while he was pulling away, in an act of love and grace. And he knew that the only right thing to do was to run back into the accepting arms of God and make him his refuge once more.
If you are struggling now, why not take a step back too ... See how great God's love is. Remember the power of the Spirit working within. Reflect on your calling to love, forgive and serve. And see what's at stake if you give up. Really, take a long hard look and see the awfulness of the alternative...
With God's help you can keep going. There will be answers to your questions. In God's goodness some of the things that you are struggling with may disappear. But even if they don't, in God's kindness, he will change you and enable you to grow like Jesus in the middle of them. And that leads to fruitfulness and joy ... An ending that is not to be missed.
