REJOICE! for this is the day that the Lord has made
honestly speaking, i didn't feel like serving in the choir the past sunday. i was physically tired, leading to me being spiritually tired, and on and on goes the vicious cycle. and three of the songs to be sung in Speedlight had actions to go along with it, so it's like u gotta have this upbeat personality and really do the actions right? i didn't feel like i had it in me. this energy, this zest. then in prayer before the service started, the leader exhorted us to really focus on God and do everything for Him. And i decided to do just that. the service began, and as i did the actions, i could feel a lifting of my spirit. it's like, u believe in what u sing and do the actions for God. i suddenly realized i couldn't care less what the congregation thought of me, whether i was doing the actions correctly or looked like a complete fool in doing so. simply put, i enjoyed myself serving the Lord on stage. it wasn't so much as being too caught up with the songs & actions, but that i wanted to do all that for God. I think God really helped me; he put this desire to want to sing for Him and do the actions for Him in me and gave me the strength & courage to do so.
You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have turned my sorrow into joy!
and then my choir leaders spoke to us during practice. on how we shouldn't give a half-hearted service as this would not reflect well on us at all when it comes to Judgment Day. also on how "the truth shall set you free". as i mused on that later, i finally understood what it meant. (My interpretation here)Truth is truth, and in believing in it, in speaking it, you shall have liberation. It shall set u free from all condemnation, sin, whatever, because it is the truth. and i felt liberated in the choir that day. not so much as suddenly going crazy & overboard, but i found the true meaning in doing the actions.
Jesus You are the saviour of my soul!
another confession: i've probably never really been at ease in my ministry, but gradually i'm changing. when i first joined, i felt super exposed there. like a stiff mannequin. then, i learnt how to close my eyes and sway without fearing i'd fall. after that i dared to join in free worship. and this process goes on for me.
This is how we overcome!
we must always set our hearts right to focus on God in serving Him. i've realised servitude only gets monotonous because we have left Jesus out of it. it's true then, what my cg leader said, that serving is really a partnership with God, not only giving to Him.
Psalm 103:1 - 5
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
izzabelle/izzy/bel.