Nothing puts out the fire in my heart faster than negativity.

I will spend most of my day whistling a happy tune, and then suddenly a deluge of apathy and antagonism crashes like a tsunami right  in front of me.

Sometimes, it’s an unexpected phone call from a Debbie Downer family member. Nothing prepares you for the onslaught.

Other times, however, I must confess that I open up the door of my heart and invite the roaring waves of doubt right inside. I might linger too long on an argumentative Facebook post, or I will mindlessly surf cable and land on a brackish broadcast that floods my soul with vitriol.

That’s why I insisted on going to the Night of Worship at church yesterday evening. I needed a safe place to hide away from the surging tide of unbelief.

Do you feel like you are drowning? Is there a whirlwind brewing in your heart?

You might want to slow down and find a safe haven.

4 Reasons Church is a Safe Haven in this Noisy World

• God will give you wisdom for the way:  

  Our Father speaks tenderly to those who sit in the sanctuary with receptive hearts. He will clarify what is confusing and bring confidence in what is certain and true.

  “Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache . . .Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture…When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I’m still in Your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then You bless me… I’m in the very presence of God—oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home” (Psalm 73:16-27, MSG).

• God will re-energize your enthusiasm:

  Church is like the huddle for your team. Before you can go out and tackle life, you must stand shoulder to shoulder with people who are running in the same direction as you. Their cheers will remind you why you picked up the ball in the first place. In that tight-knit circle, your Captain reveals the secret plays that lead to victory.  

  “So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps His word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:22-25, MSG).

• God will shield you with His grace:

  Are you feeling lost? It’s time to run home and sit at your Father’s feet. There before the hearth at God’s house, He will remind you how blessed you are to be a King’s kid. Run home, and He will fill your soul with sustenance.

  “A single day in Your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:10-11, NLT).

• God will wake you up to the wonder of His glory:  

  Gather in close and let the God of Angel Armies remind you that He specializes in creating miracles out of messes. He will transform your worry into worship.

  “I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with Him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet. That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God” (Psalm 27:4-6, MSG).

Step away from the noisy world and nuzzle up to Jesus at His House. He’ll warm up your cold heart and help you heal.

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