Singing His Praises
My friend loves live music and this summer she bought tickets to two big shows. Talking to her about it got me excited for concerts, so when my husband told me Jimmy Needham was holding one at a local church, I made sure we went.
Needham’s recorded music is usually accompanied by a band, but that night, he was alone with a guitar. The moment he began strumming and his soulful voice hit my ears, I was drawn in. His hands plucked, hit, and shook the guitar like I’ve never seen before. And I was so happy to be there!
However, while I was soaking in such raw talent, my mind began to wander. “How does Jimmy do it? He is an extraordinary musician, lyricist, a loving husband and father, a stellar seminary student, and a passionate pastor.” I started to feel embarrassed. “What am I doing with my life? Why can’t I be great at something like him?”
I acknowledged that there are those who are the cream of the crop, who are the pride and joy of their Korean parents, and then there’s me. “Here I go again, wallowing in my shortcomings and failures. Why now? Why can’t I enjoy this concert?” (I find it humorous that all of this happened in less than 30 seconds.)
Soon, this negative self-talk had its effect on me and I was kind of sad. Thankfully, Jimmy’s voice snapped me out of it and brought me back to the concert. And the next words I heard touched my soul.
You see, Jimmy began to explain the backstory of a song he wrote when his music career started to “putt putt putt” out. At the time, a fellow Christian artist, whose popularity was comparable to his, made it big and his songs hit the top of the charts. On the other hand, Jimmy’s music was losing steam and he was embarrassed and upset that he wasn’t where he wanted to be in life. While he was sulking and envying, he was impressed to open his Bible to John 21. Then he read these words:
"Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
God was speaking directly to Jimmy. He was saying, “Maybe the death of your dreams will be what glorifies Me. Come and follow Me.” Perhaps, God’s plan didn’t include fame and platinum albums. Maybe the best thing for Jimmy was to have a mediocre career and an average life. And from this experience, the song “The Reason I Sing” was birthed. Here are some verses to the song:
"Why are we so convinced a bigger audience
Is simply common sense to have?
Maybe success is measured best
By nothing less than our obedience
So if I'm destined for a small stage
The small crowds and the small pay
Then maybe even in a small way
I can bring You fame”
Just a minute before, I had been sulking, comparing and wanting greater things for myself. Just like Jimmy, I wanted a grand future—a success that others could envy. However, God gently crushed those dangerous dreams. And I am so grateful that God heard me and spoke. He used Jimmy’s testimony and music to remind me that my worth isn’t found in my accomplishments. My purpose is not to glorify myself. Rather, I’m here to share how great God is! And however God will be glorified, I want Him to use me. Whatever part God wants me to play in singing His praise, whether it’s an ear catching melody or just one small supporting note, I want to sing it with my whole heart.
I was reminded of this beautiful quote from The Ministry of Healing:
Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will “keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. MH 479.2
I really appreciate that passage. My hope and prayer is for God to help me surrender day by day and trust His plans for my life. I pray that I can walk humbly with Christ.
That night, I heard God’s gentle voice and felt His loving care at Jimmy Needham’s concert. God corrected my selfish motives and I was so beautifully humbled. My self-importance is completely eclipsed when I behold true greatness - the wondrous love of God. And oh how fitting it was to close the concert singing with Jimmy, my husband, and my friends these words:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
Esther is originally from Southern California but she has traveled through many states on her adventures with God. Along the way she met her husband in New York, her two cats in Tennessee, and she currently resides in Texas. Esther loves working with kids, animals, and plants. Most importantly, she's a child of God and is so blessed to be His.