July 8: Have I Missed the Welcome?

 

Have I Missed the Welcome?

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 
Educator and Motivational Speaker

Key Text: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1, KJV).

Speaking truth this morning - I make it to church late most times.

I often think about it and genuinely want to make a change. Sometimes I comfort myself by saying, "God understands. He sees how tired I am." Yet, when I finally arrive at church, I already feel weary and as though I have missed something important.

When I first became an Adventist, I remember an elderly lady saying, "The angels are at the church doors waiting for us each Sabbath."

I have never forgotten those words.

As I reflected on them recently, I thought about taking a flight. The flight attendants stand at the door, warmly welcoming each passenger aboard. But there comes a moment when the doors are closed, and the plane takes off.

I wondered, Could it be that by the time I turn up to church, I have missed the welcome? Have I missed those precious moments of preparation and blessing?

The Bible tells us:

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1, KJV).

The psalmist did not see worship as an obligation but as a joyful privilege. There was anticipation in his heart.

We are also assured:

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31, KJV).

And we are promised:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20, KJV).

Perhaps arriving early is not merely about being on time. Perhaps it is about positioning our hearts to receive what God wants to give us. It is about entering His presence with expectation, settling our minds, offering our prayers, and experiencing the blessing of gathering with His people from the very beginning.

This reflection is not one of condemnation but of conviction.

I do not want to rush into God's house breathless, distracted, and already tired. I want to come with expectancy, ready to receive every blessing He has prepared.

Maybe I have not missed God's love, because His grace is always extended toward me. But perhaps I have missed some moments of quiet preparation, some precious welcomes, and some blessings that come from being present from the beginning.

Today, I am challenged to do better.

Because if I would not intentionally miss my flight, why should I casually miss the welcome into the presence of my King?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of worship and for Your grace that continually welcomes me into Your presence. Help me to value every moment spent in Your house and to prepare my heart to meet with You. Give me the discipline and desire to seek You early and to worship You with gladness and expectation. May I never take Your invitation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen.