PSALM 33:2–3
Can you imagine a day without music? What would sleepovers be like without crazy dancing in our PJs? What would driving be like without the radio on? How fun would movies be to watch without a soundtrack? Music is a major part of our lives! God has given it to us to enjoy … it’s a gift. He also wants us to enjoy it in our worship of Him. If we have music in every other area of our life, why not in our Spiritual one too? We can use our musical gifts to worship Jesus, and praise Him with song! Gulp. This isn’t as easy as it sounds though, huh? Play in FRONT of people, no way! Playing the flute at my church has been a challenge for me, but I have learned that it’s not about me after all. I don’t have to worry about what people think because they are not who I am playing for. Jesus, and only Jesus, is my audience. It doesn’t even matter if I sound nervous or choke a few times (which has happened not just once or twice) because whatever I do in worship is music to God’s ears. And when we do get nervous? I wish I could say it never happens, but it does. No matter what we do, playing in front of people can be scary. Just remember this: Jesus is by your side the whole time. Pray for His peace to surround you as you play. Don’t think about yourself or what people will think. Focus on why you are playing … it’s a song of worship to your God. You are playing for Jesus.
Hannah Reed, 16, Jonathan Edwards Academy, Greenfield, MA
Thank You for the gift of music, dear God.
I want to use it to praise You, whether I am
listening to it or playing it.