Music In The Dark

Music in the Dark

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me.

— Psalm 42:8

I was sitting on the stage at a large pastors’ conference in the Philippines. Outside a heavy monsoon rain fell, while the crowd inside was being entertained by a small band of blind musicians. Their music was intricate and lively, and the audience was enthralled with their performance. Suddenly there was a rumble and a loud crash of thunder. In the next instant, the entire conference hall went dark. The powerful storm caused the lights to go out. Unfazed, the musicians hardly skipped a beat, even though it was pitch-black. When their song was over, the audience burst into thunderous applause — the darkness gave us all a unique and amazing appreciation for the extraordinary talent God had given these blind musicians.

What really turned up the wattage on the praise that night was the fact that they played through the dark. The same is true when we live for God. Sure, our lives resound with praise when he lights our path and we follow him — a disciple should follow his master. But when there’s no light for your path and you follow him through dark times, the volume and the intensity of praise to God goes up many more decibels.

Do we know the Savior by heart? Have we practiced the presence of God to the point where, if times went dark, if we couldn’t see the conductor, we would still make his music? Psalm 89:15, 17 puts it this way: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. . . . For you are their glory and strength.” Even through the darkness.

Keep playing the music, friend. It may be dark out, but keep playing by heart what you know from years of practice. It’s worth the applause of God.

Father, I wait on you. I desire to learn your song so that even in the darkest night, I might declare your praises for all to hear.