Take delight in the Lord,
….and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
….Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:4-5 NLT

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I have made mention before of a wonderful devotional I had called On This Day: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes by Robert J. Morgan (Thomas Nelson, Inc. ©1997).
One devotional speaks of Johann Sebastian Bach. Even though they may not be exposed to a lot of classical music, many know his name. He was a renowned German composer who lived from 1685 –1750. He received little fame during his lifetime and died in relative obscurity. His music was largely forgotten until Felix Mendelson rediscovered it – and the world fell in love with him.
I mention him because he was very dedicated to serving God. We would do well to emulate one of his habits. As a young man, he announced his life’s purpose: to create “well-regulated church music to the glory of God.” He believed music should exist only for God’s glory, and when he sat down to compose he often scribbled J.J. on his blank pages: Jesu Juva – Help me, Jesus. At the manuscript’s end, he jotted S.D.G. – Soli Deo Gloria – to God alone, the glory.
What if we did the same each day of our lives? What if we began each day with J.J. Can you think of a better way to start our days than with the simple, yet profound request, “Help me, Jesus”? We are weak. We are fallible. We can be so hit-and-miss when it comes to living our relationship with Jesus. But as God encouraged Joshua before entering the Promised Land so He encourages us.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic… For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

With Jesus’ help, we can handle anything and everything that may lie before us!
And then at the end of whatever we put our hands to may we proclaim, “S.D.G. – Soli Deo Gloria – to God alone, the glory.”
At the core of it lies humility.
Bach himself…remained modest. When a friend once praised his skill as an organist, he shrugged and smiled. “There is nothing very wonderful about it,” he said. “You have only to hit the right notes at the right moment and the instrument does the rest.”
We give it our best and, giving the glory to Him alone, let it all lay in God’s hands. We need not worry or fret, knowing God will do with it as He wills. We are just an instrument in the hands of a mighty God!
Lord Jesus, use us for Your glory. Each day may we ask for Your help and then once You have worked Your will through us may we give credit where credit is due – to You and You alone! Amen.

(If you would care to listen, here is a very nice rendition of Bach: Prélude, Cello suite Nr.1 played by Ophélie Gaillard.)

Mar 18th, 2021, Thurs, 7:07 pm