Frustrated?

If you are weary in your journey our prayer is that this article will infuse and envigorate you to give the bass one more chance. So proceed over to the dumpster or head over to the scuba rental place, to retrieve your instrument of praise from the bottom of the lake or the dumpster. Here a few sure fire ways to bring excitement back into your playing and watch yourself progress. First, we must identify the reason for your frustration. Is it due to not progressing, as fast as you think you should? Is it due to having lack of resources, to become the musician you want to become? Is it the equipment your are working with? Well no matter what the reason for your frustration, we want to remember that we are playing the bass, as unto God.

Put your mind to ease, this frustration could be a way for our character to be developed as Christian musicians. Remember the center of our focus should be Christ. Music has its place, but Christ is the key. After we’ve identified that the frustration is present we want to transform the frustration, into something positive, that God can use for His glory. Lets transform this frustration into a drive (the definition of drive is “the trait of being highly motivated;”) to worship God with an instrument.

What’s my motivation? If my motivation is not to worship God, then I must immediately recognize that, my priorities are not in the right place. If the previous statement seemingly hit you in the pit of your stomache, and tugged your heart strings, Repent. Tell God, that you didn’t realize the error in your motives, and make up in your mind, that you will make God the center of your focus for playing, the bass. If think the author of this article is way of base, then maybe you’re not understanding the reason we play Gospel/Worship music. Placing God in His proper place, in the Throne Room of our hearts, not only inspires our playing, but gives us purpose, and an advocate. The Holy Spirit, will come along side you.

Help has arrived.  I can do certain things…. ooops, I meant, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. Talk about an empowering word, it’s even more, insightful from the amplified bible, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].” Wow! The calvary has arrived, and Calvary made it possible. Surely, if God will take care of your needs, if you seek him first (Matthew 6:33), how much more will he be there when it comes to edifying his Church. God doesn’t want his children to worry, be frustrated, or anxious for any reason. (Philippians 4:6) Don’t sweat it, God has it under control, continue to learn, continue to practice, as long as you keep God first, and remain, in his will, its gonna all come together.

Patience.  If you are anything like me, you are now saying, “Okay, Now What?” To that, I reply, “Patience, young grass-hopper.” The difference between, those outstanding bass players, you listen to on you favorite CD’s, and you at this point in your playing is Experience. Let me let you all in on a secret, the Bible teaches, that patience develops experience. (Romans 5:3-4) It is with patience, that we possess our souls. (Luke 21:19) The principles of God are so true. God is looking for patience from his children, patience is a key ingredient to faith. Do you believe help has arrived, do you believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you? Do you believe that Holy Spirit will be your comforter, and teacher? If so, then we wait patiently, for God to increase the gift. However we do not wait, with the remote control in hand, we wait in anticipation, we practice, we read our Bible, we pray, we worship God with our lifestyle, and I know God will bring about the increase in your life.

God is looking for whole musicians. A whole musician is more than just someone who can play beautiful music. A whole musician is one who is spiritually whole. Who has a healthy, relationship with Christ. If you spend more time practicing riffs, than Practicing being in the presence, of God. Then perhaps, we need to readjust our priorities.