Me? Well, let's see..... my birthday is tomorrow, although, I don't know when I'll have time to actually celebrate it because, guess what - I'm busy all week! I've got meetings and rehearsals and concerts and recording sessions splattered all over my planner for the next month. Some of these gigs are in town, some are not. Most require me to sing, some require me to play, and some require me to do both! Oh, and did I mention that I have company coming in this month too? Well, I do, and it's not as if the demands of a two-year-old and all my household responsibilities will wait until this season is over either! Please understand, I'm not complaining, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tired......okay, exhausted.
Last night, after a rehearsal, I went out with a couple of friends (also musicians) and, true to form, at one point, we all had our planners out trying to confirm rehearsal dates and times. I pulled out my planner and my pen.......and I kid you not - I almost had an anxiety attack while looking at it! Just looking at all the things I had to do and all the places I had to be was overwhelming. I had to take a minute, breathe, and remind myself why I do this to myself. every. single. year.
So....why do I do this? The simple answer: It is my sacrifice to the Lord. There are few things in this life of which I'm certain, but this I know - God created me with a love and aptitude for music, and has called me to use my gift to serve him and others. Knowing this is my calling doesn't automatically make it easy to carry out, but knowing that I do this for God's glory means that I carry it out with purpose. It is something I give of myself.....a sacrifice.....for Him. The fact that I also enjoy it....(even though I feel like my schedule might possibly kill me ) well, that's just gravy, baby!
After my freak out moment, I had to remind myself of one, very important thing - I don't have to do this alone! I am constantly reminding myself that the Lord is my helper. Lately, I have found myself clinging to this verse: "I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4
He sustains me.
He sustains me!
Sustain......that word is powerful. It means "To support, hold, or bear up from below. To bear the weight of, as a structure. To keep from giving way, as under trial or affliction."
So, when I read Isaiah 46:4, I read it like this: "Dara....I am the one who will support you. Hold you. Bear you up. I made you, and I will carry you. Like a structure, I will bear the weight of your burdens, and keep you from giving way under trial or affliction, and I will rescue you."
WOW! What a promise from the Father! Friends, this promise is yours. As I face this busy season, I am choosing to remind myself of this truth. Whatever it is you're facing, at any point in the year, know that this promise is for YOU!
There is not a single thing that we have to face alone.
Ever.
Our God is faithful and is with us ALWAYS, and he's not only there......he's there sustaining us.
Father......this season is so busy for so many. Give us wisdom as we schedule our time. Give us strength as we execute all the things we've committed to do. Be our peace, Lord....be our rest. Help us to be still and rest in you, even in the middle of busyness and chaos and stress and fatigue. Give us the courage to stop trying to manage it all ourselves, and to let you sustain us. Bear us up, Lord, and in all we do, may we forever seek to bring you glory. In the name of Jesus.....AMEN.