“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.”
–Psalm 149-1 (NLT)

According to the Bible, everyone has their own individual God-given talents. Have you discovered yours yet?

I learned about my God-given musical talent when I was about 3 years old. I remember it was a rather boring evening. Mom was away at the moment, and Dad was watching football on TV. I was bored with my toys, so I came out into the living room and sat down at Mom’s piano. I had banged around on it a few times, but tonight I decided to play a song. The first melody that came to mind was Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, so I played the melody with both hands. My dad was blown away by my ability to play that simple song by ear, and I was soon taking piano lessons.

These lessons lasted through high school. About halfway through college, I decided to become a music therapist. I chose to use my God-given talent to help people, instead of merely entertaining. Unfortunately I didn’t make it through my internship, and I graduated with a general BA in music instead. Although I’m not a certified therapist, I still enjoy playing piano in hospitals and nursing homes. This allows me to lift the spirits of my listeners, without any need for paperwork.

Recently I’ve started using music in order to honor God. My husband and I enjoy listening to Christian music, because it keeps the word of God in the front of our minds. Music provides a great way for us to remember scriptures. Advertisers know that a catchy melody or clever jingle can turn an ordinary product into something unforgettable. In the same way, scriptures can be more easily remembered if it is put to music.

Music can also help us to get through tough times in our lives. As Timothy recently said, he often used Christian music to overcome grief some years ago, and remind himself that God is in control. Music can provide an escape from reality, but I believe Christian music reminds us to look to God whenever His plan for us involves a curveball that disappoints, saddens or angers us.

Finally, music allows performers and listeners alike to praise and honor God. If you’ve ever been in the audience at a Christian retreat or concert, you know that the music can create feelings of great peace and joy. Music can inspire you to pray more often, sing God’s praises, or serve others in God’s name.

There are so many ways to read the Bible, but I believe music is just as wonderful at expressing God’s word for us. I hope you will start using music to supplement your own Bible reading. It could be instrumental Christian music, or you could listen to a contemporary Christian radio station. In any case, I hope you will use music in order to praise and honor God, and as a way to remember God’s holy Word.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, check out our online store at www.amway.com/burdicksbargains. In order to support us, please register for free on our store website before purchasing anything. Thank you!

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.