Symphony of Praise
By Captain Anna Williams
Compton, CA Corps – California South Division
“ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
I remember the very first time I experienced my first concert at the L.A. Philharmonic. My ears immediately gravitated towards the String Section, because I used to play the violin in Elementary School-it was an immediate connection. Listening and watching the skill of the violinist was utterly impressive, until sound of the individual melody started to sound a bit dark and dissonant, then other parts of the string section joined in, making the melody even more chaotic, but when the entire symphony comes in at the right time the musical piece turned into a beautiful masterpiece. Sometimes the individual melody doesn’t quite make sense until it is heard in the context of a symphony; our lives are the same way.
There is a current Christian song,“Symphony”(see lyrics below) by a worship band name Switch, which has inspired me to look at life in a different perspective, especially when I am in the middle of the chaos. In this life there are plenty of unruly notes and chaos. (Need to borrow some? I definitely got an overstock of it over here!). Everyone encounters some form of chaos in their lives…family issues, lost of love ones, unemployment, marriage struggle, relationship distress, fear, anxiety, depression, difficulties raising children…we all go through some kind of trials. This song reminds me that our momentarily trial is a small part right now, but God is composing something even bigger and better for you and me.
Sometimes its hard to breathe
All the thoughts are shouting at me
Try to bring me to my knees
And its overwhelming
Darkness echoes all around
Feels like everything is crashing down
Still I know when my hope is found
And it’s only you and oooh
You say you’re working everything for my good and
I believe every word
The more I focus on “all the thoughts shouting at me” I must confess it gets overwhelming; often the weight of the chaos turns into a disconcerted heart. Gratitude becomes an underrated force, yet God’s word reminds me that, He “…causes all things to work together for good to those who love God[Him], to those who are called according to His purpose.” His promise is not to cause things to work together for our comfort, for our happiness, but for our good, even when we may not see our life or situation as good, God remains faithful to His promise.
In this season of thankfulness, remember that God is good and in control of each situation we are facing. God sees you, knows you, and has a plan for you. That plan even includes passing through those valleys of unpleasant melodies as His work things out for your good and His purpose. He won’t waste your pain, your hurt, your disappointments and your difficult seasons. Just hold on a little longer, don’t grow weary, but grow in hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Remember, God is orchestrating something amazing.
‘Cause even in the madness, there is peace
Drowning out the voices all around me
Through all of this chaos
You were writing a symphony, a symphony
God desires to write a beautiful symphony out of our chaos and crafting them into a masterpiece or shall we say, a beautiful Master-Peace…” even in the madness, there is peace ”which is something we can praise and thank God for. Let us be thankful and celebrate…“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT).
“Symphony” By Switch. Take a listen! Then Reflect & Pray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT7ZQ1wgEjg
Time of Reflection & Prayer:
1. What experiences have I had that I am grateful for?
2. What relationship am I thankful for?
3. What challenges or difficulties can I be thankful for
4. What is one promises of God that I can stand on today?
