Thursday, May 10, 2012

On Worship

As I have lived through the past few years, my road to sanctification has been nothing short of an amazing, miraculous part of my life. Revelations are everywhere when I look. And, the latest of these was the other day when I was informed I was going to be playing percussion at our church because the other percussionists were going to be out of town. Our percussion equipment was only a few African-style drums (djembe, congas) and shakers and such, but Fact #1: I cannot (or could not) play percussion. Fact #2: I haven't touched said tools since I gave up trying to learn them several months ago. I nervously stood behind them as practice started Wednesday night. I was told when to come in, and the band started playing. With dread, I watched as my cue came closer. Suddenly, I was hearing the beat below the music, and had a general idea on how to do it on the drums. Miraculous? I think yes. I played the rest of the evening relishing the joy that comes from worshiping our God with more than tongue. Now, I'm not going to lie: I still am not great. Both of the other percussionists could blow me away; but, I survived, and have been officially instated in the rotation. God is good! Amazingly so.

Now for the truly edifying experience of this story. Sunday morning, I climbed up to the stage, determined and trusting in my newfound talents, suppressing my nervousness. And, as the first song began, I wasn't nervous. But, apparently, my subconscious or something was, because I started trembling like I used to when I got stage fright. I wasn't scared, but here I was shaking like nobody's business. As I looked out on the congregation, I pondered this development. I was still drumming, but puzzling over this. Then I realized: my focus was wrong. In worship, I was playing for God. God was my Audience. An Audience of One. The One. God who knew me intimately, iinfinitely. I wasn't here to play for the congregation, but to play for God! And, all of the sudden, the trembling stopped. Later, I reflected on this, and this became a serious focus point in my life. Now, whenever I sing in the car or at church, or play piano or anything having to do with worship, I am sure to direct my praise where it should be: to God. I exhort you, as my brothers and sisters, to do so as well.

-In Christ, Phil
So, I just started this blog (obviously), and have never had one before, but I wanted an outlet to share the ways God works in my life daily with others. So, the adventure begins! -Phil