When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men
who dreamed. Our mouths were filled
with laughter, our tongues with songs
of joy. Then it was
said among the
nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The
LORD has done
great things for us,
and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev. Those who
sow in tears will
reap with songs
of joy. He who goes
out weeping, carrying
seed to sow, will
return with songs of joy, carrying
sheaves with him.

Psalm 126

When my sister and I were growing up we attended church practically every Sunday with our grandparents. But when I went to college I basically turned my back on all of that. So, even though I had accepted Christ as a young teen I was not living as a Christian. Luckily for me I had a friend who showed me Christ in quiet ways just by living her life and being an example. After I graduated with my Masters degree and began working I met someone at work who had different religious beliefs than I had been exposed to previously. I think God used these two people to start bringing me back to Him. As my curiosity grew I picked up my Bible again and read it from cover to cover (which took about 1 year). I decided it was time to learn for myself what this book contained, rather than relying on someone else’s opinion of what it said. As I had questions or ideas I could talk with my friend, Joy, and she would share her knowledge with me. At this time I began going to church again, was baptized by immersion, and found my relationship with God again. I would not say my life changed in huge ways, but maybe several small ways.

I take great comfort in knowing that no matter what happens in my life I can rest assured that God will hold me in his hand. Nothing will happen to me that he doesn’t already know about. I will not do anything he didn’t already know I would do. And he loves me anyway.

The Bible says no one comes to God, the Father, except through the Son. John 14:6 “Jesus answered, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” God sent his son to pay the ultimate price for our sins. He wanted us all to be with him in heaven so badly that he was willing to sacrifice his son for our sakes. John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Matthew 20:28- “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I once asked someone what was stopping him from accepting Christ as his savior and he said, “I don’t feel good enough.” And that’s the point--none of us were good enough on our own so God had to make a way for us. We will never be good enough. It’s not about being good or doing good things.

What is it about? It’s about do you believe in God? Do you believe and accept his son?

If you feel you are ready to end your dark days and start a relationship with God it is actually very simple. Pray. Praying is simply talking to God. It doesn’t have to be full of fancy words and special phrases. Thank Him for sending his son to cleanse you of your sins. Apologize for those sins and commit to never making those sins again. Ask him to come into your heart. There. That’s it. Romans 10:10- “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

If you just prayed that prayer I am so happy for you! I hope you will faithfully work at maintaining your relationship with God by reading his word and finding a group of believers that you can be a part of.

If you have questions I can help with I hope you will email me.