One question that I get quite often is “Do you or your wife sing?” With two worship leaders in the family and one talented “home only” guitarist, you would think we would be challenging the Von Trapp family with musical acumen. Although we both like singing, we don’t have that type of talent.

Yet, worship is a huge part of my life. As I am writing this, I am listening to Tasha Cobbs sing “Break Every Chain.” (Liked it so much, I pushed “play” again.) One of my favorite ways to get into God’s presence is to listen to worship music. Since Sunday is usually filled with tasks and details, it is rare that I can fully worship along with the congregation. I make it a point to have my own time of worship during the week. Why? Because one time I realized that I lost my voice.

Like I said earlier, I like singing. I sung in the choir in school and in the church all my life. A number of years ago, I went through a time where I was “too busy” with ministry on the weekends and with stuff during the week, where I put my own worship time on the shelf. I was driving up early to go to summer camp and I slid the CD in the player. As the music started, I began to warble out my singing voice. I stopped the music. I was dumbfounded. I sounded like I was gargling sand. I tried singing without the music and again, it was awful. I played the music really softly and the same result. I turned off the music and the Lord said quietly, “You lost your voice to sing because you stopped singing out loud.” I was shocked at first but I knew it was true. I lost my voice and something that I truly enjoy because I put it on the shelf.

The good news…it came back. I got back into my worship routine and my voice to sing came back. Do I sound like Casey…no. But with the routine, came His presence. And with his presence, came the joy of honoring God. And the missing part of our relationship was restored.

Have you put your voice on the shelf? Maybe it is another gift – one that brings you into God’s presence. Or another talent that you know brings the Lord hoy to see you use it.

It’s time for you to find your voice.

Psalms 40:3 “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the lord.”