Answers

By   •   March 13, 2008   •   Topics: ,

Q:

I am very fearful about going out in public, and although my psychiatrist has me on a new medicine that helps me some, I still can't face being in crowds. Is God going to punish me for not going to church? I feel guilty because I know I should, but I just can't help it.


A:

Don’t feel anxious about this; God doesn’t hold us accountable for things we cannot do. After all, He knows all about your disability, and He also knows your limitations.

But God doesn’t only know about you; He cares about you! The most important truth you will ever discover is that God loves you. God isn’t like a harsh, strict policeman who is just waiting to pounce on us and punish us the second we step out of line. He loves you–and because He loves you, He wants to encourage and help you. The Bible says, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are” (Psalm 103:13-14, NLT).

This is why I urge you to make Christ the center of your life. How do you do this? The first step is to turn to Him and ask Him to come into your life–and He will. When we come to Christ, we become His child, and He adopts us into His family forever. By faith open your heart to Jesus Christ today.

Then ask Him to increase your faith and help you walk with Him every day. Take time every day to pray and to read God’s Word, the Bible. In addition, share your problem with your pastor, and do what you can to become connected with other believers, even if it is only through listening to your local Christian radio station or watching a televised church service.