God is the ultimate Musician!

As my heart is now beginning to feel Easter getting closer, it may be a good time for me to take some Spiritual inventory. While I know that it is often spoke of that we keep our fasting private, my sharing isn’t to lift myself up, but rather show how God is working in me and glorify Him. So on that note, for those that don’t know, I decided to give up 2 main streams of media in my life over these 40 days leading up to Easter; Facebook and television.

This time has been incredibly refreshing! Removing those roadblocks that have hindered my closeness with God has been an experience that is changing me. I wouldn’t say I had an addiction to any of those sources of media, and Facebook frankly is hardly even missed, but it has lead me to more time in the Word, prayer, and self-examination. In particular one of the gifts that I have been given that I have put aside is music. As my sister said, ‘look at what you find when you quit Facebook’. Or perhaps, ‘look at what you find when you remove the unnecessary noise from your life’.

I don’t think there is anything inherently wrong with Facebook, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with television; however it’s up to everyone individually to determine if it is beginning to eclipse their walk with God.  For me, it was.

I have rediscovered one of my most dear gifts, and that is my musical ability. I have put down my instruments for about 15 years and for the first time have begun to rediscover the love I have with music. I love the fact that my children hear music in the house, and my 5 year old daughter is an absolutely joy to watch as she dances and sings with daddy. Also however, I hear my Heavenly Father singing and exulting over me!

The LORD your God is in your midst,
                                a mighty one who will save;
                he will rejoice over you with gladness;
                                he will quiet you by his love;
                he will exult over you with loud singing.
 (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

Do you realize your God rejoices over you? He most certainly does! How amazing and humbling to know the God of the universe loves us emotionally as well! He loves you! He rejoices over you! He quiets you with His love! He sings over you! God is the ultimate Musician!

My trials and challenges in this world haven’t disappeared, yet I am learning to meet them with so much more peace and joy in my life. I am amazed at how much noise I have put between me and my God through avenues like Facebook, or television, or others. I consciously chose not to fast from food this season as He wasn’t leading me in that direction. As always He knows what we need, as this time of fasting that started out a bit difficult for me has led me to a place that I don’t want to leave; and I don’t plan to.

I’m excited to use my gifts (which have been hidden for far too long) to give Him glory! It may be simply be filling my house with music, it may be playing at my church, it may be bringing this gift to a nearby shelter, prison, or assisted living home, and just sharing the joy of music. Whatever He leads me to I’m excited as I will know one thing for sure, it’s not of me!

Thank You Father for your patience with me. Thank You for blessing me with not only the gift of music, but peace, love, and joy. Continue to call me, and may my ears be open to Your call. I don’t want a life that is about me, I want a life that brings You glory. Whenever I let go of self and let You direct my steps I am continually blessed beyond description; even if I can’t see it at the time with my nearsightedness.  Thank You for singing over me and rejoicing over me!  You are Holy, Holy, Holy, and while we were still sinners, Your Son died for us.

Praise God!
~Matthew