A Word of Encouragement

Do you feel frustrated as, week after week, you keep doing the same job, with no thanks from anyone? Do you ever get tired of the weekly drudge of trying to pick out hymns that somehow fit the obscure text your pastor chose (or worse, the same text as the last three sermons)? Why isn’t there a helpful hymn index, anyway? I know that for myself, it’s easy to fall into a rut of weekly frustration: “Did we sing this too recently? Not that anyone would remember, anyway….Do they really know this song? Do I feel like trying to teach them a new one this week?”

When you feel like this (and we all do from time to time), take a few minutes to remember why you’re doing this in the first place. Whether or not someone from the congregation remembers to thank you, or even acknowledge your existence (except to complain), the One who really matters always notices. The author of Hebrews reminds us that “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Your weekly labors toward enabling the saints to worship their King in a glorious way that pleases Him do not go unnoticed. Also, if you’re in a situation like many of us in small churches, you may be the only one who has the gifts and talents to play music for the service. When you’re not there, the church will have to rely on recordings, a capella attempts (difficult if they are not used to it)--or worse, no music at all; and they know it. Whether or not they say anything, your congregation is grateful for you. Above all, remember that you are contributing to the worship of the King of Kings, one of the most important jobs you could ever hope to have. You--as the music director, pianist, pastor, song leader--are helping to lift up the congregation to the throne room of God every week, and He delights in your efforts.