Hold Your Applause
Ashley March. 9.2003
Do you ever find yourself doing something for the reward? Honestly? I do all the time. I am constantly seeking the applause of an awe-struck crowd/audience. I want to know I did a good job. I’m beginning to learn, however, that sometimes the most encouragement comes during the silence when I sit with God, and He says to me, “Well done my child. Well done.”
I have noticed an incredible difference in my life when I simply follow God for the sake of following Him. I owe Him that much after all He has given for me anyway, but I also know it makes a difference when my heart is in it. I’m not praising God in hopes to repay the debt I owe, I’m praising Him because I crave His presence and want to glorify Him.
As a praise leader, I often feel the pressure to perform well, but I have learned that I might as well not sing if it’s not for God because I am bound to mess up any song if my audience is someone other than Him.
There are a lot of issues a person can “take into their own hands” and ultimately ruin completely. I am a worrier, which means sometimes I doubt God. I often think, “Hey, I can do this!” HA! God has a purpose, but that purpose was not designed for a one-man team – God intended His plans to be filled by two: Father and child…
I’m not all that sure where this came from. A friend and I discussed this very idea this evening, but I feel many of life’s simple conversations can be compared to my spirit. Do I give in order to receive? Sometimes. Do I follow God in order to be blessed? Too often.
I wanted to bring that to everyone’s attention. I can’t be the only person who has ever done “Christian” things for everyone but God.
I want to challenge everyone this week to glorify God through your actions for the sole joy of praising God. Do not to anything to exalt yourself. If we are singing a song at Salt Shaker that doesn’t present a message to God that you are actually feeling, then don’t sing. If you feel you’d be better to do Bible study at home, then stay home instead of going to church and be alone with God. He desires time with you, so that he can pour blessings of wisdom and truth upon your heart.
Remember: Let all your actions be to benefit God and no one (including yourself) else.
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Ashley
