A Place to Worship

This morning Josh and I visited Clifton Baptist Church for Sunday School and morning worship. We had attended there for prayer meeting Wednesday night, and were eager to see what a Sunday service would be like.

The Lord knew that I needed this time of worship. This morning I felt a little emotionally sore, like I'd had a good workout, mostly probably from saying goodbye to James and Christen yesterday. As I fell asleep last night, I was overcome with thoughts of "aloneness" in my anxiety over the distance between us and my family, the Taylors, and others we've recently parted from. Weeping as I fell asleep, I dreamed very active dreams of running 2 book clubs at the Blue Kangaroo at the same time (it seemed so real! The Dudiches were there!). So this morning, as I stretched the muscles of my heart, I felt a bit sore, and was in need of time spent with Jesus.

I was refreshed with the vertical focus of both Sunday School and the morning service, the music and prayer. The bulletin is nearly a book that contains all the info about the service, including songs, scripture reading, etc. The Lord spoke to me through His word, and in song.

• We sang "To God be the Glory", directing my focus upward.
  
• A woman read Psalm 139, which spoke straight to my heart. Tears came to my eyes as we read "You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my path and my lying down" (how dare I think I am alone as I lie down?) "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it."
• Immediately following, we had silent prayer for private confession of sin, an aspect of the service I have rarely seen, but really appreciated.
• Following that, we sang "O Wondrous Love" a song I did not know, but I was in awe over the words! The 3rd verse has these words: "I'm resting in the everlasting arms, in the ever faithful heart, the Shepherd of my life. . . You overwhelm my days with good, Your wondrous love will never let me go."

How precious it is when you so clearly see the Lord meet you in your spirit's need! We were also encouraged because the people were so friendly to us. Even though we are just another set of seminary students, we really sensed that they wanted us there in that church. We are praying about where the Lord would direct us to attend, and we will probably check out another church this evening, but in the meantime, it is blessed to know the Immutable God I worship can be easily found, and is to be worshiped in spirit and in truth.