I’m continually concerned about the empty pews in our church. I find myself being almost envious of the huge crowds I see at churches on TV. But I got a new perspective on this as the pastor where I’m a member was talking about an entirely different situation, and it gave me a new feeling about those empty seats.

He was talking about when he’s feeling down and alone, wrestling with some difficulty, he remembers the story in the Bible where the King of Syria was unhappy with Elisha, so he found out where Elisha was, and sent an army of troops to capture him.

Elisha’s servant panicked, but Elisha calmed him by having God open the servant’s eyes, to see a host of protective angels surrounding them!

Our pastor said when he’s feeling low, he pictures that story in his mind, and is eased by imagining that host of angels surrounding HIM. There’s more to that story, found in the sixth chapter of Second Kings, but what helped me, was to remember that Christ is in our sanctuary with us in every service, no matter how many or how few persons are there, because He has said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18: 20). And so I picture in my mind, that host of angels filling every pew that seems so empty to us. Because I again think of the words of Isaiah, which we are meant to accept as believers, where he says “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void.” Which means that the words spoken even to a few, will touch and help someone who’s there.

You don’t need great talent just to be in church! Try visiting.