I’m so thankful that I know how to play the piano. I pity those who have never learned to play an instrument; they have missed out on one of life’s greatest pleasures.
When I play the piano, it is my thinking time. As my fingers produce the music I see on the page before me, my mind unleashes a flood of thoughts. If they could be measured in notes, I would say I do about 20 thoughts a note. :) My practice time is my private time to reflect on the day’s events, but mostly to ponder the things that deeply bother me. Many times I find that my emotional energy ~sadness, hurt, and sometimes anger~ is poured out onto those piano keys. The music I play matches my mood. It is a healthy way to release the emotions that sometimes build up to be more than I can bear.
Sometimes, like yesterday, my sorrowful thoughts and the comforting words of the song I sang cause the tears to flow. Music is the key that sometimes unlocks the door to hidden emotions, hidden hurts, things I didn’t even realize were there.
Tears are such a sweet release from pain; I’m so thankful God made them. Tears are the moisture that give root to the seed of bitterness. When I cry out all the hurt I’m feeling, the root of bitterness withers and dies. When, in anger and self pity, I hold back my tears, bitterness is given a chance to take root in the tenderized “soil” of my soul. These roots are not like the roots of a weed, which are easily pulled out of the ground. The roots of bitterness grow deep down and take firm hold on their victim. So, as I can see it, tears are a wonderful blessing. They bring sweet relief to an aching heart. After having a good hard cry, I pray, and then my world feels a great deal more stable and safe.
It is said in 1 Samuel 30:6 that David encouraged himself in the Lord. When I feel discouraged and ready to give up, I sometimes find myself doing the same thing.
“I will trust the Lord!”
“I will serve God!”
In a weakened state, somehow verbalizing these words with an unshakable determination that I don’t even feel at the moment gives me the strength to do them. Perhaps it is an act of faith. Sometimes I just have to command myself. And then the encouragement comes. Suddenly I find that I have the endurance to face the test that lies before me. The Lord has heard my declaration to do right, and He honors it with His power.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrew 10:38, 39
Truly, God is good! God never fails! I will trust Him, and I will serve Him! Will you?
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