I was sitting on the stage at a large pastors’ conference in the Philippines some time ago. I was so excited to be in such an exotic place, especially since it was the monsoon season. And sure enough, outside a heavy monsoon rain broke and began falling while the crowd inside the large hall was being entertained by a small band of blind Filipino musicians. It was about 6 or 7 guys up there with their guitars and a base fiddle and drums. They were dressed in these wonderful, nifty Filipino country costumes and they had thick dark glasses on so we were all aware that this musical troop was blind. Their music was intricate and lively and the audience was enthralled with their performance. Suddenly there was a rumble and a loud crash of lightning. In the next instant, the entire conference hall went dark. The powerful storm, flailing hail against the tin roof, caused the lights to go out. Unfazed, and we couldn’t believe it, there in the dark, the musicians hardly skipped a beat, even though it was pitch-black. They didn’t skip a beat! And suddenly it occurred to all of us in the audience, these people who are blind, they know this music by heart. And when their song was over, the audience burst into thunderous applause – much more so than if they had continued to play through the light. No, the reason we applauded them so is that they played through the dark. 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 – when things are bright and easy – and we follow him as a disciple should follow his master. But, when the lights go out and there’s no light for your path and you follow him through dark times, suddenly the volume and the intensity and the import of your praise to God goes up many more decibels. So I have to ask you. Like those blind musicians, do you know the Savior by heart? Can you sing his song in the dark? Have you practiced the presence of God to the point where, if the lights went out, if you could not see the conductor, you 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.
So friend, keep playing the music. These are quite dark times, they are. But keep playing by heart what you have learned from years of practice. It’s worth the applause of the Lord.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends