Keep Strumming…

Life is hard. We all have had struggles, lingering bad habits, relationship strains, and memories we’d like to forget. We’re an imperfect group of people just trying to make it through one day at a time. If you have faith in Jesus and the hope of salvation in your heart, mind, and soul, then there is good news! We have something to hope for through the bad notes and off-key days. I love music and playing guitar so anytime I can compare life to music, I will. Here are three ways to keep moving through the struggles when your song starts skipping…

When you play the wrong chord…

Do you like things in life to go smoothly? I love control over the ins and outs of my day as much as possible. In some scenarios, control equals success. I have to control myself at work, get my reports done on time, treat and diagnose, be punctual, etc. But other times in life, being in control of events or (gasp) how people might interact with me, is just impossible. Nobody wants that either cause that’s not love. When I’m playing a song with friends, and I hit a wrong chord, who do you think notices the most? You guessed it. I do. My friends don’t usually point it out cause the song has already moved on. My face gives it away more often than not, though. So when you hit a wrong note, say the wrong thing, get your feelings hurt, or do something on accident, don’t beat yourself up about it. Ask for forgiveness, try your best to forgive others quickly, make the wrong right, smile, and keep strumming…

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22

When your string breaks…

One of my biggest “fears” when playing in front of others is a string breaking on me. Not only does it sting if your hand is near it, but because multiple strings are used to make up a chord, when one string is gone, the chord just doesn’t sound the same. Some could say the same when a friendship or relationship you’re in hits a rough patch. It might be a break-up, a misunderstanding, a season of friendship that has run its course, or feeling rejected that has you down. Remember that Jesus wants to hear from us when we are hurting. He knows what it feels like to be heartbroken for those He loves. The Bible is packed with encouragement and solace. Yes, the person may not return into your life or the relationship may not mend exactly as it was before, but going through Jesus for healing is the answer every time.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

When you’re off rhythm…

Rhythm in music is essential. Every instrument playing together has to stay in rhythm or the song just doesn’t sound right. Some people have natural rhythm and some have to work for it. I’d say it’s the same in life. Some days just naturally go well and others feel so off that the only resolution is to go back under your covers and start over again. Whether it’s been a bad day, you’re tired or weary from the stressors in life, or you’re feeling extra sensitive and lonely that day, let Jesus bring you back in rhythm with Him. This won’t mean you’ll be in step with the world, quite the contrary, the more in step with Him you are the more out-of-step you may feel with society. An orchestra of musicians playing different instruments look to their conductor, not to each other, to play a beautiful work of music. Just think of what beautiful music we can all make together if we stay in rhythm with our Conductor and Creator!

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Sheet Music…

I hope that this was a reminder to you that you are not alone in the hard days of life. If anyone knows how to love through hardship, adversity, or rejection, it’s Jesus. The Bible is the best sheet music we could ever have. We are in this together, y’all! Keep strumming…

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33