I like to read a good novel. I have a lot of favourites. Reading a novel is relaxing and refreshing for me. Every once in a while I come across something said by one of the characters that I find thought provoking.
Recently in the book I was reading the main character is frequently called upon to sing for audiences. She doesn’t enjoy doing so and is very nervous, especially in front of a large audience. However, she has been blessed with a lovely voice and the ability to give pleasure through her singing.
As she was sharing her feelings with another character in the book, he asked her who she was singing for. He told her that since God created her and gave her the voice she had, he enjoyed hearing her sing. He encouraged her to sing for an audience of One.
This interaction got me thinking. I have heard many Christians say they do not enjoy praising God through song because they have what they consider to be poor quality voices.
Consider what God said to Moses at the burning bush:
“But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” Exodus 4:10-11 (ESV)
Moses didn’t think much of his speaking ability but God tells him that he is just as God made him. God takes pleasure in hearing us speak or sing or in seeing us serve just for Him.
Next time you are tempted to look around and see if anyone is listening to your feeble attempts to praise God in song, remember that you are singing for an audience of one.
When you feel like you can only do something small for the Lord in comparison to what others around you do, remember that you are serving an audience of One.
We must always strive to give and do our best for our master and we should continually try to improve. He created us, gave us our voices and abilities and knows what we are capable of. Let’s always joyfully do our best for our audience of One. He enjoys hearing us!