We were running just a tad late this morning, so I decided to post this afternoon instead.
I was nervous. I was scheduled to play the offertory at church. This would be the first time in several years since I’d done so, never have done it at Calvary. One of the things we are encouraged to do in the piano program I’m taking is to play for others. I’ve been working on a pretty arrangement of the hymn Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee in the setting of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. The arrangement is by Cindy Berry.
I felt confident as I began to play, but the underlying nerves were there. Then, it was time to turn the page, and I totally flubbed it! Silly thing wouldn’t stay where it belonged! But do you know what happened as I continued? The nerves went away! I thought, “Well, I’m glad that’s over with!” and continued to the end of the piece with no further trouble. Thank You, Lord, for those who were praying for me. It wasn’t perfect, but my spirit settled down and I was calm for the rest of the song.
After the service, a young friend was talking with me about her anxiety. I shared with her that God knew we would be fearful people, and that there are 365 passages in the Bible having to do with fear. That’s one for every day of the year!
My favorite: II Tim. 1:7. “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power; and of love; and of a sound mind.”
I also love Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”
Aren’t you thankful for the precious promises of God!
Linda's Bible Study 