“But how could we possibly sing the LORD’s song on foreign soil?” (Ps. 137:4).

     As a pastor, I repeatedly hear, “I will start coming to church when I get my stuff together. I patiently respond, “Jesus does not care where you are. He wants you to attend where you are, right here.

     After studying to become a pastor for many years, I realized one vital thing. I am a flawed person. If I waited until I was whole, I would never serve in the clergy. We must do away with the belief that we only serve when we are at our peak in faith. This idea needs to be corrected and often prevents many good people from committing to a life of Christian service.

     We experience times when our connection to the Divine seems light-years away. When someone hurts me, my knee-jerk reaction is to pull inward and not let any in. I keep out others by not letting anyone get to know me. The imposter syndrome light goes off in my head, and I try to find ways to steer clear of a problematic situation. Shame overwhelms me, and I believe I am not good enough for anything.

     In our deepest and darkest moments, love steps in and transforms our way of thinking. The Spirit reminds us that God hears our prayers even in the foreign soil of shame. Maybe the other version of our text from the 137th Psalm should read, “Especially when we find ourselves on foreign soil, we must sing our praises to God.” Our commitment to service must include time to listen and praise the One who created us.

     During this season of Advent, I encourage us to redeem our story from the foreign soil that clutters our path. Clean the floor well and know that God does not care if you have a dish, or two, in your sink. The Divine desires a room in our souls.