During the first worship set, one of our musicians’ guitar strings broke mid-song. I would have been downing a triple-shot coffee if that happened to me, but I found him in the cafe with his guitar laid out reverently on the table. Using special gadgets and a steady hand, he re-threaded a new string and somehow finished just in time to jump up for the second service.
As my friend led the next song with his newly-strung guitar, I immediately sensed a new and deeper dimension in the spiritual atmosphere. I saw it as a prophetic picture not just for him but for each of us. In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul used the metaphor of us offering ourselves as “instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13). We willingly use our time and talents to worship God and bless others.
Yet, sometimes, in the process of serving God with our gifts, we can experience the twang of strings snapping (both emotionally and spiritually). If we play too long, too hard, under duress, or for the wrong reason, inevitably strings will begin to break. And that is because we are not wired to be performers or producers, but children who play and praise with joy.
Perhaps you have been feeling strung out lately. Maybe you have even felt a few strings snapping. Have you considered God may want to replace key strings in your life? Old ineffective strings may need to be removed and new strings rethreaded in you. It’s tricky work and can be a little awkward, but if we allow God to do some intricate work in us, the result will be a stronger and more resilient instrument—you.
Just as my friend made small adjustments to his instrument, God may be tightening screws, tuning the notes, and checking the tension in your spiritual life—all to increase the quality and clarity of the gifts you minister with. Same you, different sound. As the Psalmist says, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy” (Psalm 33:3 NIV).
What if God is going to bless others through you in new ways? What if God is giving you new reasons to declare His praise? Allow him to skillfully care for you, his precious instrument of righteousness.
 | A guest post by
|
I read through this quickly as there was so many posts to catch up on. Then i felt this sense of ‘stop’ read this again slowly and think about it. It is good and there are treasures to find when we don’t just skip over this to get to the next one. There is a message to me in this piece. I am going to read it again and let it settle in me and may the Holy Spirit bring those treasures back to my mind when needed.
Thank you Rachel for the time and prayer and thought you put into your writing.
So good. Thank you.