My first time at church

[lyndseyb]

Today I went to church for the first time in my life.

I've been meaning to go for a while but was always held back by my anxiety issues. Well today god gave me the strength to finally push through that and I attended my first ever church meeting.

The people were so kind and welcoming to me and I felt at peace.
Someone met me and sat with me throughout so I wasn't alone.
Everyone was eager to listen to me and offer advice and hope regarding my anxiety and answer my questions about the church. I felt such peace and love there.

The music was lovely and the pastors message was very relevant to my current concerns and anxieties.
I have to confess, I did flag a bit and get slightly distracted during the sermon but I'm going to concentrate harder next time (and go to bed earlier next Saturday so I'm not so tired and more awake/receptive for the next service!).

Thank you lord for the strength and peace I felt today.

And thank you for all those who posted advice and encouragement in my 'joining a church' thread, particularly KEA44 who was extra supportive and ihavefoundgod951 whose response touched me as they seemed to have been in a similar situation with anxiety as I was.

If there are any new Christians reading this trying to pluck up the courage to join a church, please do! I spent so long worrying what could go wrong that I never even considered the benefits and blessings it could bring me.

I feel so much more positive and happier now.

 

[Tigger45]

Praise God

 

[iamLu05]

Awesome to here this. Welcome to the kingdom. Just wanted to let you know that God has always been with you throughout your life. What you just experienced is Gods truth shedding light into your soul. Praise Jesus! What the world lacks my brother is the word of truth and identity. Without identity we are just wonderers going in circles missing out on the true abundant life God has blessed us with thru his son Jesus. May the grace of our father be with you and I pray that you continue this glorious walk you have just begun. Bless you in Jesus name..

 

[lyndseyb]

Thanks for the encouragement and replies everyone.

I'm so glad god gave me the strength to do this.
I struggle daily with mental health issues but inside that church I felt genuine peace. I'm already looking forward to next week.

I need to get my life back on track and I believe that church will genuinely help me do this.
I'm already being invited to join in with certain groups and events! I don't quite have the confidence or courage to join in with any of these activities yet but I'm going to pray that I find the courage to do so soon.
I'd love some Christian friends.

 

[HawkBlue27]

Lyndsey,

Thank you for sharing your story. I remember when I first went to a different church I thought it was a bit intimidating and thought the people there would look at me like an alien or something but they were really very welcoming and the sermon was pretty sound from a biblical perspective.

 

[ALEA40]

Today I went to church for the first time in my life.

I've been meaning to go for a while but was always held back by my anxiety issues. Well today god gave me the strength to finally push through that and I attended my first ever church meeting.

The people were so kind and welcoming to me and I felt at peace.
Someone met me and sat with me throughout so I wasn't alone.
Everyone was eager to listen to me and offer advice and hope regarding my anxiety and answer my questions about the church. I felt such peace and love there.

The music was lovely and the pastors message was very relevant to my current concerns and anxieties.
I have to confess, I did flag a bit and get slightly distracted during the sermon but I'm going to concentrate harder next time (and go to bed earlier next Saturday so I'm not so tired and more awake/receptive for the next service!).

Thank you lord for the strength and peace I felt today.

And thank you for all those who posted advice and encouragement in my 'joining a church' thread, particularly KEA44 who was extra supportive and ihavefoundgod951 whose response touched me as they seemed to have been in a similar situation with anxiety as I was.

If there are any new Christians reading this trying to pluck up the courage to join a church, please do! I spent so long worrying what could go wrong that I never even considered the benefits and blessings it could bring me.

I feel so much more positive and happier now.

I am so happy for you!!! It is so amazing to find a church home. I am glad I could help you out with encouragement! Blessings!!!

 

[parsley]

Cool! Bravo for your bravery.

If you start to get weary during a sermon, wiggle your legs and hands a little, to get your blood moving. A little movement helps get oxygen to the brain and lungs.

In some churches, you can stand at the back wall without anyone noticing.

 

[tenderheart1]

What a blessing to overcome your anxiety and attend service! Wonderful!

 

[Radagast]

Great news!

 

[ToBeBlessed]

Yeah!

What a wonderful testimony, you made my day!

 

[LilLamb219]

That's great that you took a chance and it paid off.

As for the joining of groups, don't feel obligated if you're worried about it. Let them know that in time you might feel that you will be ready but you want to slowly ease your way into things. They'll understand

 

[JCFantasy23]

Sounds like a wonderful church and experience; hope you find much happiness there.

 

[parsley]

One of the nice things about many churches -- people welcome you as though you're part of their group of friends. They will sometimes back each other up during house moves, rides to the hospital, and other emergencies.

 

[jannikitty]

How wonderful that you found a 'church home' and also what a great example to all of us to push through in situations that seem to give anxiety. I Praise God for that peace you are experiencing too! Thanks for sharing.

 

[John20050]

I am really glad to hearing that! God bless you

 

[Midst]

Today I went to church for the first time in my life.

I've been meaning to go for a while but was always held back by my anxiety issues. Well today god gave me the strength to finally push through that and I attended my first ever church meeting.

The people were so kind and welcoming to me and I felt at peace.
Someone met me and sat with me throughout so I wasn't alone.
Everyone was eager to listen to me and offer advice and hope regarding my anxiety and answer my questions about the church. I felt such peace and love there.

The music was lovely and the pastors message was very relevant to my current concerns and anxieties.
I have to confess, I did flag a bit and get slightly distracted during the sermon but I'm going to concentrate harder next time (and go to bed earlier next Saturday so I'm not so tired and more awake/receptive for the next service!).

Thank you lord for the strength and peace I felt today.

And thank you for all those who posted advice and encouragement in my 'joining a church' thread, particularly KEA44 who was extra supportive and ihavefoundgod951 whose response touched me as they seemed to have been in a similar situation with anxiety as I was.

If there are any new Christians reading this trying to pluck up the courage to join a church, please do! I spent so long worrying what could go wrong that I never even considered the benefits and blessings it could bring me.

I feel so much more positive and happier now.

Good to hear.