Hi friends,
I pray you are healthy and safe during this time of crisis. I may have mentioned that I have been listening to Alistair Begg sermons via Truth for Life since my daughters were young and homeschooled. Every day we’d get our breakfast and sit down with our bibles and have what we called ‘Breakfast with Begg.’ My girls are grown, but I’ve kept the practice. I get my breakfast, grab my bible and notebook and pull up a sermon on Truth for Life. Since the Covid 19 pandemic, Begg has started a new and really cool feature on Truth for Life’s blog.
The Ministry of Music
Each day he shares either a post on “Insight for Dark Days” where he reads a section of scripture and gives application. Or, he shares part of his favorite hymns. Music has always had a special place in my heart. Growing up my family played a number of instruments. I played the flute through middle school and also dabbled with acoustic guitar. I miss my time with those instruments and as I sit at home and think of ways to keep my focus on Christ and not the chaos, I’m seriously considering getting my flute out (yes, I still have it) and playing again. It would need a serious overhaul job as it’s been dormant for more years than I’m willing to admit but let’s just go with numerous decades.
Not only does playing an instrument require all your attention and thus is a soothing exercise and one that helps sharpen focus during this time when my thoughts are prone to run rampant, but I can learn to play hymns, learn to play worship songs.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” ~Psalm 98:4
I’m not sure after all these years what will come out will be a joyful noise, but it’ll come from a yearning heart, yearning to be near my Savior and to praise Him for His provision and providence. For Him being our anchor.
We Have an Anchor
Speaking of anchors, Begg’s hymn of choice today was “We have an anchor” by Priscilla J. Owen. I’ll just share a part of the lyrics, but you can click here to hear Begg’s video or here to read the full hymn. I pray it blesses you today!
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
Source: Hymnary.org
Reader Question:
Do you play an instrument? If not, which one would you love to try?
May God bless and keep you,
Dani
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Thank you
Thank you for stopping by, Marti 🙂
I never did play an instrument. Both my girls play the trumpet and I have always enjoyed listening to them play. I do enjoy listening to worship and praise music, gospel music, etc. It just brings a good feeling to my spirit. Thank you for sharing about yourself and I say get out that flute and see what you can do!!!
Hi Carla,
I agree. Music (especially worship and praise) brings a good feeling to my spirit.
I think I will 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement.
Music has also been an important part of my life, too. My mom played the organ in church for 47 years! I know how to play the play but am terrible at it. I started playing trumpet in fourth grade, then switched to percussion – tympani and glockenspiel – and then learned to play guitar in high school. I still play guitar, but not very often anymore.
Wow. You’re very talented to play multiple instruments like that. The glockenspiel–that is so cool. I’ve never met anyone who could play that before.
Thank you for this encouraging post. Music is certainly a joy in life. Our son and daughter were involved in music from 5th grade through high school. Our son played clarinet, contra bass clarinet (making all-state three years in a row) and baritone. Our daughter played flute and oboe, and marched in the Macy’s Parade. Fortunately, the love of music has passed down to our grandchildren. Our granddaughter plays piano, sings in the school chorus, and dances ( virtual classes through Zoom at the moment). Our 10 year old grandson plays drums, taking his lessons on youbtube. Music is definitely a life long skill for happiness. Blessings to you and yours!
That’s a wonderful legacy for your family to have. I agree–music is definitely a life long skill for happiness 🙂
Getting ready to put some worship music on while I’m on the laptop.
I played clarinet in school, numerous decades ago also. For the past year I’ve been considering playing again and joining the city band, however, I didn’t know if I would be able to figure out how to play again. Then I found a book online called “I used to play clarinet”, meant to help adults be able to play again. This would be a good time to order that and get started.
Oooh. I’ll have to see if they have a similar book for the flute. Thanks for the recommendation. I think you should join the city band if it works out. That’s awesome.
I can play the piano but not like I’d like to!! I never did like to practice as a kid and now as an adult I have too many books to read!!
Ah. Reading is wonderful too. There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book.
I played the flute throughout school and have beginning skills in piano. I loved playing music. Now my son is teaching himself guitar though on app on his phone. Technology is wonderful. Thank you for the encouraging words today.
Hi Margaret,
Wow. What a cool app. I’d never even thought of that. You’re right technology is wonderful. I’m so glad you stopped by today!
Great post, Dani! I play the piano (mostly by ear) for my own entertainment. Haven’t had a piano in years and it would be lovely to have one right now since playing was always a frustration/stress outlet for me. (My kids knew if Mom was pounding out “Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog,” they’d better back away from the Mama! 🙂
Love this Deb!Piano is a stress reliever for me, too.
Hi Deb. That’s amazing you can play mostly by ear. It is amazing what a wonderful stress outlet it can be. I love that story about your kids! That’s hilarious.
I play guitar and there are times when I pull it out and just worship. It’s the most soothing thing in every circumstance. Go on and get the flute out. What a joy!
Maybe we can play together at next year’s retreat 🙂
No, I don’t. I would like to learn the mandolin or dulcimer. I love music.
Really awesome instruments to want to learn.
My mother played the piano and taught music for a long time. My son now teaches voice and piano. I played the piano at church for a long time but never play now. I have a piano but just don’t play anymore. My granddaughter is a music therapist and plays multiple instruments as she works with the patients. I haven’t heard “The Anchor Holds” in a long time. Love the song. Enjoy your posts and certainly your books.
Hi Emogene,
So glad you enjoy the posts and my books. Such encouragement! Wow. I think music therapists are amazing. When my mom was in hospice they had volunteers who came by the rooms and asked if the patient would like music. My mom wasn’t able to communicate anymore but the music really soothed her.
I agree, music is powerful! It can be soothing, uplifting, energizing. I played clarinet in middle school. My husband bought me a refurbished one a few years ago. I haven’t spent enough time with it, though it did come back to me somewhat. I’m involved in music at church: I play in the handbell choir (I’m D6 and E6), I play soprano recorder and native American flute in a quartet. I took piano lessons for many years as a kid and played for the adult choir at my home church for a couple of years, but haven’t played for a long time. Played a little acoustic guitar during my college days. I’m really missing my music groups/rehearsals/playing at church right now. I think you should pick a song you love and practice the flute until you can play it 🙂 I might even do the same with my clarinet. 😉
Sounds like a plan! I always loved Greensleeves. Would love to learn how to pay some of my favorite worship songs.
I took piano for five years. I know how to play, but piano was not my forte. I do love music. The piano, acoustic guitar, violin, dulcimer, and cello are my favorite instruments.
I needed this post.
For about a month, I was handling things well. Now I’ve become overwhelmed with the rampant negativity across social media. It’s frustrating, and saddening, to see how incredibly divided we are as a people.
I love music. It soothes my soul and I totally relate. I play guitar, and have had the opportunity now to learn a lot more in a short time than I have learned in the past years combined. I”m excited about that. But I sincerely miss my church, being there in person, soaking in the messages. I may look into this Truth for life series. It sounds like what I need.
I love love love this hymn you posted and I’ve never even heard of it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I was a piano major in college. My husband was a music minister for 35 years and i played at most of all those churches. I still love to play on my 65 year old piano i grew up with.
I played the flute all through middle school and the first 3 years of high school. I haven’t played it since, but I used to love playing it. Wish I knew how to play the guitar and piano!!
I played flute in school and have played at church periodically. I think I enjoy playing now more than when I was in school because the music and words of the songs mean more to me now. Music can uplift the soul when other things can’t penetrate.