What Going to Church Did for Me
Hello friend! Did you read about my new puppy in my post on fear? I said that I was afraid of the puppy taking time away from my writing, afraid of constant barking, and even jumping on me.
I thought I’d give you a little update. Samson is the cutest dog ever—a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He’s already stolen my heart, and when he settles down, I feel so happy when he snuggles in my lap. But I didn’t realize what an active pup he would be. I get frustrated when he chews on my shoelaces, scratches my legs, bites my hand, and takes up a lot of my time to take care of him. In fact, it’s more difficult to take time to write. But a big plus is that he seldom barks.
Can you see I’m still having some fear I’m dealing with? I’m learning how to train him not to do some of those things, but I still get frustrated and need patience. That’s what my friend, Lucero said—you need patience with puppies.
After missing church services for a few weeks because Dwight and I alternated going to church to stay home with Samson, Dwight and I finally got away and went to the 9:30 service together.
The music lifted me up. That Sunday, we sang choruses in Spanish and English, an awe-inspiring experience.
As we were singing a slow, worshipful song, I felt the desire in my heart to give my fears and frustrations to God and release them into His hands. I saw that I was too preoccupied with my problems, and God brought them into perspective. He gave me peace that He was in control.
Being around other believers encouraged me that I am not alone. Hearing their voices singing also reminded me once again that I’m not alone in my relationship with God. I saw how much I needed to be in the presence of other believers and hear the teaching of God’s Word.
Do you feel alone in your battle with mental illness, or are preoccupied with the worries and frustrations of daily life? Does going to church seem like one more thing to do? Or do your present circumstances make it impossible to attend church in person?
What does church provide for me as someone with a mental illness?
It provides community.
It’s an opportunity to worship God through music.
The teaching or preaching and reading of Scripture bring truth that can change my life.
Many churches, like mine, offer small groups to be part of.
I’ve heard more than once that in some churches, the topic of mental illness is taboo. Depending on what kind of church you go to, or seek out to go to, that may not be so true anymore. It takes courage and energy to step out and attend a service if you’re fatigued or depressed or anxious, or your meds slow you down in the mornings like mine sometimes do.
I don’t want to put a guilt trip on you. Far from it. Today I just want to say that going to church that day was worth it. I met God there.
I still went back home to the same frustrations and fears that week, but my fear diminished. Samson is still a handful, but I’m enjoying him a lot more and learning to distract him from some of those bothersome puppy ways. I still struggle to find time to write, but Dwight is taking care of Samson on Tuesday mornings so I can write.
Looking back on that experience with God in church a couple of weeks ago gives me a reference point—a knowledge that God is trustworthy to take care of any situation in my life. You may have problems far greater than mine, and raising your children or caring for a spouse or parent or your own daily needs may exhaust you far more than a puppy ever would.
Thank you for listening to my story today. I care about you and am grateful that you took the time to read it. I pray the Lord meets you in your areas of need today.
- Marilyn