I love listening to praise music. It can send my soul soaring as I reconnect with the healing truth that comes only from God. It also anchors that truth in my brain in a way that few other mediums can do. When I hear truth sung, I recall it quicker when a situation arises, even when I don’t feel like singing.
However, a few weeks ago I had a different musical experience. I was listening to a new group live, and they obviously couldn’t hear each other very well. The discordant notes sent zigzags of pain along my auditory nerves. On top of that, the drummer and the lead singer were out of sync just enough to make the song jarring instead of inspiring. The crowd around me begin to shuffle uncomfortably, and I watched the audience disconnect.
I stood there, waiting for the band to recover, God whispered a truth in my soul. This is how My message misses connection when you’re not staying in sync with me.
The thought shook me to the core.
Perhaps this is how the world perceives our Christian message when we’re not following God’s path. Our refusal to let the love of Jesus shine in our lives—in all circumstances—sounds to the world like no more than jarring discordance. Could my disobedience and disharmony with God distract those I’m trying to reach and keep them from hearing the truth of God?
That was a lot to chew on.
By the end of the set, the band had fixed the issues and the songs were amazing. As they got back in sync, the audience once again focused in on the music. The earlier issues were forgotten as we engaged with the soaring harmonies and uplifting notes.
Just like me. There are times when God’s message is marred by my lack of sync with Him. But when I return to His beat, the past is forgotten and the truth shines through.
Edie Melson—author, blogger, and speaker—has a passion to help those who are struggling find the God-given strength they need to triumph through difficult circumstances. Connect with her at www.EdieMelson.com