Submitted by Pastor Bill Hargis, Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches

In the July 13 issue of this column, I wrote about how important church attendance, prayer, and meditation truly is in our Christian lives. These acts of faith help us stay grounded and focused on what we are to be doing, which is loving, obeying, and trusting God, loving our neighbors, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

The problem is, sometimes we get off track, I think a lot of times with a little help. Maybe the devil will say, “You know God can’t do this without you. Don’t you deserve a little credit?” Perhaps during “rough spots” in our lives we may feel this little seed of doubt starting to grow. Am I where I’m supposed to be? Am I doing God’s will, or is my will interfering with His plan? If this is God’s idea, why is it so difficult?

This is when prayer and meditation are so important. God speaks to us in these quiet times and He speaks to us in several different ways. My experience is God speaks to us through scripture, and through thoughts. This is why quiet time is important. “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Be quiet and let God talk for a change.

Several weeks ago, family problems mixed with church problems which suddenly had me feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. I found myself asking if my ministry was God’s idea or mine. This is what the devil does – he looks for a weak spot, he plants those thoughts of doubt, those feelings of failure, and then he attacks.

In my case, after several days of prayer and quiet, I received my answer in Isaiah 41:9-10. “You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, you are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” This passage was randomly opened during my morning prayer time. I felt like God was affirming that yes, I am where He wants me, but I also felt as if maybe I had just received a little bit of a spanking.

I cannot promise that your life is going to be filled with sunshine and lollipops being delivered by unicorns if you start coming to church. But I can promise you a change in your life if you truly make an effort and start trusting in Jesus Christ. Your problems are still going to be with you, they just won’t feel as important any more.

In one of my favorite movies, “Oh, God!” John Denver says, “We need help.” God says, “I gave you each other,” (the church). I cannot stress enough, first, find a church that you are comfortable in, as long as it is Bible based, then start attending regularly. Go to Bible studies. Learning about God means building a relationship with God.

This is the hardest part: dedicate time every day for prayer and quiet time. Find a time that fits your schedule. It doesn’t matter when, but for now, make it the same time every day. In this way you are creating a habit. Pray, tell God what you feel, sit quietly, read your Bible, and listen for what God is telling you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). You’ve tried it your way all these years. What has it gotten you?

Remember, I love you all, and there is nothing you can do about it . . . Go to church! Peace be with you.