Being present has never been more real to me than when it was taken away during our worldwide pandemic. Isn’t that how things go? We don’t realize the significance of something until it is gone. 

After worshiping virtually with our church for months, I nearly cried through the entirety of our first in-person worship service. I have always known and believed how important it is for Christians to be committed to a body of believers and to regularly attend worship services. We are church planters after all. 

But on that first day back together with my local body of Christ, I felt its importance deep within my soul. The act of being present with fellow believers in real life and real time was a surprisingly overwhelming experience. I was truly moved, even despite the restrictive, awkward, socially distanced, hospital-grade sanitized, time-constrained, congregating-limited worship service.

I had not realized how much my heart missed hearing someone outside my own immediate family read the Word of God, pray out loud, and lead us in singing. These very acts were affirming to me and a sweet reminder that I am not alone in my faith. To be around people who hold to the same Truth as me after a prolonged period of not being together was comforting and encouraging in ways I had never felt in all my years as a believer. 

David states in Psalm 34:3, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” We are meant to worship together, to encourage one another in our beliefs. Of course, there will be times when we have to worship virtually, but that should be the exception, not the rule. Standing side-by-side, (or even six feet apart) united in faith, motivates us to carry on in love and good deeds. I hope I never again take for granted the importance of showing up, of being present with my fellow believers.