Hi Tim & welcome to CC, I am quite new here too and I find its a really good way to spend some time with fellow believers, learn, be challenged and just read posts and soak in the word. I can see many get a lot of support & encouragement. I know many Christians who do not attend church for multiple reasons but I would have to stick with scripture
and say finding a fellowship you could be comfortable in would be such a blessing for you. Anxiety is a challenge (i actually work in this field) i do appreciate its hard for you to go somewhere new but perhaps look into going to a small church, even an evening or mid week service that may be less crowded. Arrive just as service starts on the first visit, so you do not have to run the gauntlet of welcoming brothers & sisters
Asking someone to go with you is a great idea, already mentioned and maybe visiting the church when there is no service on at all, so you can check it out, see the seating etc and then it will not be so unfamiliar. If you do go to a church you will then be able to get involved with others, at a level to begin with that you are comfortable with. It is best to attend a church, for many reasons. Many do not because they think they can be 'Christians' out with a church and of course you can but Gods Word tells us we are to fellowship within a church. It is so we can meet to pray, worship, give thanks, be taught, teach, give the Word to others, to encourage, to support & build but, it is also so we can develop our 'Fruits of the Spirit'. We can be challenged by others and learn to be humble, patient, kind, learn self control etc. It is so easy to love and be kind to those we like but it is a learning curve to be loving and kind to those we do not feel a connection with. These are some of the many things we can learn, through His Grace, in a church. As for strengthening your relationship with God? you ought to give of your daily time to the Lord, read your Bible, pray and study your Bible. It is good to meet with other Bible believing brothers & sisters ( you can do that here, but in person is also good) Ask for wisdom & discernment...as you will need both! God Bless you, God knows the desires of your heart, step out in Faith, believe he will reveal His Truths to you, believe you can be freed from the anxieties you carry, they are not want He wants for you. Believing & doing are not the same as we know, its easy to say, hard to do! but you can be released from your fear. Take a first step. Even a climb up Everest starts with a step out the front door! Step out in faith, confident as a loved & cherished child of God (how awesome is that!!
& God will Bless you , <><
