Several years ago, I started learning to play the drums.  My parents found me an instructor.  In fact, he was a God-send even though he probably never knew it.  He came to our house every week to give me a 30-minute lesson.  Little did I or my parents know the journey God had for me in music.  I remember so many times when I didn’t practice and times when I wanted to quit because it was just too hard.

Needless to say, I stuck with it and God gave me some great opportunities to use the talent He gave me.  From the time I was about 12, I played drums at church every week in our praise band.  As a 7^th grader, I marched snare drum in the high school band.  When I was in college, God gave me the opportunity to play in a local Christian rock band.  Through music, I met many people, many of which I have had the honor of encouraging and influencing due to my stick skills.  I know that God has anointed my hands and feet in this area for His glory.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of playing drums at my church again (I’ve been leading worship and playing guitar for the last 10+ years).  My husband lead worship and I supported him by providing the beat.  Occasionally, I have the opportunity to do this, and I really enjoy it.  I have a freedom when playing the drums that I don’t have when I lead or play guitar.  You see, I’m a more proficient drummer than guitar player or singer.  But that’s not the point.  The point is, when I play drums, I am able to worship God with the instrument in a way that I am incapable of on any other instrument.

As musicians, we sometimes forget that us simply playing the instrument is an act of worship to God when done with the right heart.  In Psalm 150 it says to Praise Him with trumpet, harp, lyre, timbrel, dancing, strings, pipe, and cymbals!  Wow!  And again in Psalm 33: 2-3, it tells us to “…make music to Him…” and “…play skillfully…”  So, next time you’re going to play your instrument, ask God to prepare your heart to praise Him while you play!  Oh, and don’t forget your voice!  It’s a powerful instrument that God has given us all to sing unto Him!  What an honor, privilege, and responsibility we have to join in on Heaven’s song and praise our Creator!