“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God.” Psalm 100:1 NKJV

If you know me at all you know I LOVE music! I love playing in our worship ministry, I love worship music, and I am so thankful for a place to play my horn. Most people my age struggle to find a place to play, so the opportunity to join so many talented people week after week is such a blessing!!

A few years ago (I could give you the exact date) I had the opportunity to play a solo and had the rare opportunity to play something of my choice. I had always wanted to play along with Charlotte as she sang. My song choice was a blend of two of my all time favorites “Say The Name” and “There is Something About That Name.” These songs have been part of the songs that I would sing to my kids at bedtime, so there was something special about the song choice and something really special about my choice of a partner to play these with. (She is one of my favorites!!) I guess you could call this a “bucket list” item to play along with Charlotte! Such an anointed voice and an incredible heart for worship. You have to have the details to understand why what I am about to say has had such an impact on me and the way I play and worship.

The Sunday morning we were supposed to play the songs I went early to rehearsal and sat down to warm up. We were in a bit of a rush and we really did not have much time to run through the songs before the worship service started. The time came for the songs to begin and it did not go well from the start. Something was just “off.” I can remember very vividly sitting there, and my hands were so heavy I literally could not lift them to play a note. Charlotte backed up as she was singing and motioned for me to play but I just could not do it, like for real could not play. Time stood really still for a bit and then Leslie brought the choir in to sing, and as I listened it was beautiful. The choir sounded amazing and Charlotte did a wonderful job. I pretty much cried all the way through the rest of the worship time and as we left the stage Charlotte took my hand and we walked into her dressing room (aka the women’s bathroom behind the stage area – if you have seen her getting ready in there you understand why this is funny!!) and we sat down to talk and try to figure out why everything was off.

As we began to talk I knew, I knew what the problem was. You see, every time I have played a solo l have always prayed and asked God to sing through my horn and allow me to seek His face as I worship… but not today. Today we were rushed and I was excited and I just began to play without the prayer, without the focus and without the blessing. You may be asking what in the world this has to do with you and your walk and your daily life? I am glad you asked!!! What I learned on this day was that without HIS anointing, HIS blessing, HIS favor it was just notes, just a song. Honestly I hope I never forget the feeling I felt as I sat in my chair and listened to those songs being offered up in worship. I hope I never forget that feeling because I sure never want to repeat it. I never want to be so bold as to just assume that the presence of God is with me because of what “I” am doing. I want Him to be there because I have asked Him, I have invited Him, and what I am doing is for HIS glory and He has put me in the appointed place and the appointed time for what He has called me to do. I want the opportunities He gives me to share the gospel whether through music or a testimony, a kind word or action to bring honor to His name and most of all I want to follow His leading and I want the blessing!!

We can sing, play, share the list could go on and on but if we do it without His blessing, its just noise. We as believers are powerless if we do not seek Him for the power to move and serve. The Bible says without love its just noise. God’s power in our lives is what gives us the boldness and confidence to walk in His ways and in His instruction.