Recitals
Piano recitals are one of the most intimidating things for someone with a shy and “don’t notice me’ personality. To memorize the music is difficult enough, but to play it in front of an audience is hard.
One year during my piano recital, I began playing my piece. When I got close to the finish, I couldn’t remember how to end. I kept playing the same thing over and over. The conclusion would not come to me. I can laugh about it now, but then it wasn’t funny. What do I do? The music teacher finally whispered from behind the curtain, “just stop”. So, that is what I did, I stopped, curtsied and sat down, embarrassed and feeling a complete failure.
“But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in.” 1 Chronicles 17:3-4 ESV https://www.bible.com/59/1ch.17.3-4.esv
You Will Not Build
David loved the Lord. He decided that God needed more than just a tent (tabernacle). So, David proceeded to make plans to build God a house (temple). God spoke to Nathan and basically told Nathan to tell David ‘just stop’. God did not want David to build the temple. That would be his son Solomon’s job. David was a warrior, not the temple builder.
God Changed the Direction
There are many other people in the Bible that made plans to go or do and God changed their direction or plans. He intended for them to ‘just stop’. Paul often desired to go certain places and see certain people. If he had gone as he planned, then the books he wrote would not have been written.
The Notes Keep Replaying
Thinking of my life, and possibly some of you might be, involved in things at church, in the community or at home that keep us stretched out, worn out and irritable. The notes on the piano of my life keep replaying without an end. God is saying to me ‘just stop’. Relax, rest and sit with Him awhile.
Just Stop
Just stop trying to do things that God has not gifted you to do.
Just stop trying to be someone you are not.
Just stop trying to run someone else’s life.
Just stop trying to be a people pleaser and focus on pleasing God.
Just stop wishing your life away and find contentment in today, the here and now.
https://youtu.be/GzfPHnoT0-0 David Crowder Band How He Loves Me
Paula Wallace
This message should be read by EVERYONE!!!
I had your same recital experience, but my teacher had to hand me my music!! I quit piano after that ! “ Bout Time!” I hated it!!! Anyway, I wish someone had told me to just STOP countless times in my life! We think stop means failure, but it means change look , listen, and maybe change directions. You could create a book on testimonies where people finally stopped and considered God’s plan!! Thank you Paula!! God bless!!!
Stop and rest in the finished work of Jesus. That’s the message I’ve been getting to. I strive too much. But we change when we rest IN HIM