I once left the church with hard feelings.

I left and never looked back. “I do not need the church,” I kept telling myself. “I can have a relationship with God all by myself.” My feelings were hard and calloused against those so-called Christians who had hurt me.

Twenty years passed before I even thought about a church. I always believed in God. I knew Jesus Christ as my Savior. Yet my grief was stronger than the love I had for God.

It is not easy being a closet Christian. Giving in to temptation was so easy without the church.

One day, out of nowhere, my wife asked me if we could go to church. I went with her, though the wall between me and the church was still there. The pain was still real inside of me.

Week by week, I started to give in. Each week seemed a little easier. The people were warm and friendly. The pastor was not pushy, yet his messages were on point, forcing me to start thinking about my life.

Today’s verse says those ransomed by the Lord will return, and come with singing to Zion, and everlasting joy shall be on their heads. The church is important for our relationship with God to remain real in our life.