The Joy of Returning to God's House

After a long absence, there's something profoundly moving about gathering once again in God's house. The familiar faces, the warm greetings, and the shared sense of purpose all serve as a poignant reminder of what truly matters in life. As we come together, we're reminded of the Psalmist's words: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord'" (Psalm 122:1).
But beyond the joy of reunion, there's a deeper calling that beckons us. We are not merely called to attend church, but to be the church – to be positive influences in society and living testimonies of God's transformative power.
Consider the example of Daniel and his companions in ancient Babylon. These young men stood firm in their faith, even in the face of a hostile culture. Their unwavering commitment to God not only preserved their own integrity but also led to the powerful conversion of King Nebuchadnezzar. As recorded in Daniel 2:47, the king declared, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets." This dramatic turnaround serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we live out our faith boldly in the world.
Jesus himself, in his prayer recorded in John 17, emphasizes this calling. He prays not for his disciples to be taken out of the world, but rather to be protected as they engage with it. "As you sent me into the world," Jesus says, "I have also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). This commission extends to us today. We are called to be in the world but not of it – to be salt and light in a society that desperately needs the hope and truth of the Gospel.
Living out this calling isn't always easy. We all face struggles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. There are times when the weight of the world seems overwhelming, and we're tempted to give up. But it's precisely in these moments that we must remember God's unwavering presence and power.
Think back to those times in your own life when you felt you couldn't go on, when your body and spirit were ready to give up the fight. It's often in these darkest moments that God shows up most powerfully. When we're at the end of our rope, He's there to pick us up. When we're ready to quit, He's just getting started. Our God is not distant or uninterested – He's intimately involved in every aspect of our lives, ready to renew our strength when we turn to Him.
This truth should fill us with an unshakeable hope and a burning desire to draw closer to God. We should be, as one person beautifully put it, "starving for the Word" – eager to fill our souls with the nourishment that can only come from God's truth and presence.
Yet too often, we allow other priorities to crowd out our relationship with God. We make excuses, claiming we're too busy or too tired to engage deeply with our faith. But the reality is, nothing is more important than our relationship with our Creator. He gave His Son for us – is it too much to ask that we give Him our hearts in return?
The story of a young college athlete who recently came to faith serves as a powerful reminder of what's truly important. In a world that idolizes success, fame, and pleasure, this young man recognized that he was missing something vital. Despite having what many would consider "everything," he realized he had nothing without Christ. His decision to follow Jesus, especially in an environment often hostile to faith, is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
This young man's story should challenge all of us. Where are our priorities? Are we on the "winning team" with Christ, or are we still held down by the values and pursuits of the world? The choice is ours, but the stakes couldn't be higher.
For those who might feel unworthy or too far gone, there's an incredible message of hope. No matter what you've done or where you've been, Jesus offers complete forgiveness and a fresh start. As it's beautifully expressed in Scripture, our sins are removed "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). When we come to Christ, we don't need to look back or dwell on past mistakes. Like Lot fleeing Sodom, we're called to move forward into the new life God has for us.
The invitation is open to all. Whether you're considering faith for the first time, rededicating your life to Christ, or simply needing a reminder of God's love and grace, now is the time to respond. As Jesus himself said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).
In closing, let's remember the words of the hymn:
"I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back. The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back."
May these words become the anthem of our lives as we commit ourselves anew to following Christ, being His witnesses in the world, and finding our true purpose and joy in Him. Let us go forward with renewed passion, eager to make a difference in our communities and beyond, always remembering that our God is with us every step of the way.