December 12

Rehearsing to Perform

Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name (Psalm 86:11).

Scripture: Psalm 86:8-13

Song: “Change My Heart, Oh God”

As a college music student, I was expected to memorize at least five solo pieces every semester. At the end of the term, a jury of my professors would grade my performance of these selections. If I failed, the panel might prevent me from continuing my major.

Memorizing that much music requires intense focus and disciplined practice. There’s no way to “cram” it in at the end of the semester. (I tried!) Like most music majors, I had a busy schedule, so if I didn’t make practice a priority, I would never get around to it. There were just too many other projects and activities demanding my attention.

I find the same to be true when it comes to cultivating a deeper relationship with God. It requires single-minded focus and diligent commitment, because there are countless other things—important things like family and work—constantly vying for my limited time and energy. If I don’t prioritize my time in God’s Word, I’ll never get around to it either. Unless I clear my schedule for prayer and godly fellowship, such things slip into a place of secondary importance in my life.

Memorizing my music grows me as a musician, just like my devotional habits grow me as a disciple of Christ. In both cases, I’m rehearsing to perform. The more I can sense God’s presence in my everyday circumstances, the better prepared I am to face my next trial with grace.

Father, I don’t want to become spiritually complacent. Give me the desire to know You more. In Christ, amen.