Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
Psalm 33:3 NIV
Play Skillfully
Oscar Emmanuel Peterson, who lived from August 15, 1925 to December 23, 2007, was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer. As a virtuoso who was considered to be one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Peterson released more than 200 recordings, won eight Grammy Awards, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy, and received numerous other awards and honours. He played thousands of concerts worldwide in a career lasting more than 60 years.
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I studied music most of my young life and was an elementary school music teacher for a couple of years before heading into the ministry. So, I appreciate those who are gifted musicians. Even those with natural musical ability, however, have to practice daily, often for hours, to perfect their skills. The Psalmist reminds them, and all of us, no matter what our gifts, to use what God has given us to the best of our abilities. In Psalm 33:3 he writes, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” We have friends who are worship song writers. I know the effort they put into writing worship songs that are biblically solid, theologically sound and singable by a congregation. You know how you appreciate when a worship team has obviously put a lot of work into honing their skills and preparing to lead us in worship. This is how each of us should prepare to use the gifts God has given us to serve others and worship Him. How can you take the gifts God has given you and ensure that you are using those gifts skillfully so that others are brought closer to the One who gave those gifts.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley