I don’t know about you but God often speaks to me through music. I believe it is one of the easiest ways for Him to reach the deepest parts of my heart. I tend to be very “left brained” – analytical, logical, and rational. God created that part of me, but He needs to move and speak through my right brain – where imagination, creativity, and emotion reside. Music does that. Perhaps that is why I am a certifiable concert junkie. If you continue to read, you will hear about many lessons learned through concerts. This past weekend was no different.

I was tired from a busy week at work and from speaking at a retreat the previous night. I was up early to attend a meeting that had lasted into the afternoon. A large part of my wanted to stay at home and fall asleep on the couch. Especially since I didn’t have a ticket or anyone to go with me.  But something (my money is on the Holy Spirit) said to go.

I’m a pretty confident person and I’m used to going places alone, but there was something about walking into that auditorium alone I was dreading. So as I hurried through the parking lot towards the building, I asked God to provide someone to sit with. I had no doubt I was going  to know many people at the concert – the challenge was going to be locating them! I approached the ticket booth, wondering if there were even any tickets still available. Upon inquiring, the lady looked up and said, “Yes, we just had someone turn in a free ticket. Here. Enjoy the show.” Huh, well, that was unexpected.

I scanned the packed bleachers. I walked in front of them a few times wondering where in the world I should even attempt to find a seat in the sea of humanity before me. And just as panic begin to set in, I spotted a family from church and I took a chance. “May I sit with you guys?” And prayer number two was answered with a warm, “Of course!” I’d been doubly blessed before the concert even began.

If you are honest with God about the things that concern you and then step out in faith, He’ll resolve those concerns. Often He’ll provide in unexpected ways, and He’ll provide more than you even expected. And that is when God’s blessing and love poured out through the lyrics and spoke to me in a way I could have never expected – deep, real, and healing.

“Then you look at this prisoner, and say to me, ‘Son, stop fighting a fight that’s already been won.” (Big Daddy Weave, Redeemed)

Tears began to fall. I was a prisoner to sin. I try to fight it on my own. Jesus has already won the battle and therefore, God calls me His child.

“Bring your love to life inside of me. Why don’t you break my heart til it moves my hands and feet.” (Big Daddy Weave, Love Come to Life)

When I am able to believe that I really am God’s daughter, it moves me to behave like it. I no longer do good things as a way of trying to earn love. No. I know I am loved and therefore do good things. True loves moves me to action. Knowing I am God’s daughter allows me to act like it!

“Yours will be, the only Name that matters to me, the only One who’s favor I seek. Yours will be the only Name that matters to me. Yours will be the friendship and affection I need, to see my Father smiling on me.” (Big Daddy Weave, The Only Name)

Any good thing I do is for His glory and to hear my Heavenly Father say, “Well done!” Everything else pales in comparison and ultimately fades away.

“There are no words, no phrase I could create, there is no melody I could make. How do you sing about a love so deep, without feeling like you missed something. I could try but I could not explain. His kind of love, is reckless for us, His kind of love will never give up. til the whole world knows how far he went to show His kind of love.” (Group 1 Crew, His Kind of Love)

And no matter how many times I fail, God’s love doesn’t. He continues to pursue me no matter how many times I reject him. He continues to love me no matter how my times I curse Him. He continues to trust me to do His work, no matter how many times I fail Him.

“I won’t give you more than you can take. I might let you bend but I won’t let you break. I’ll never let you go. Don’t you forget what He said.” (Group 1 Crew, He Said)

And when life seems to hard to handle, God promises to be with me always. He won’t let me go. And He’ll even carry me if that’s what it takes.

How do we change from trying to find value in the things of this world to truly believing our worth is as a beloved child of God? It doesn’t work to just close your eyes and hope it happens. It doesn’t work to just try harder. No. Transformation happens through new experiences. And that’s what will talk about in future blogs…

In the meantime, when have you experienced God’s provision, His Spirit, and His grace in a powerful and transforming way?