Observe The Rest: Our Response To The Pandemic

If you would have asked me back in January what my plans were for Easter I could have told you specifically every aspect of the service that was planned, down to the keys of the songs and even the transitions. But if you were to ask me that same question today I would not have a good answer for you. Isn't it amazing how our plans can change, and in an instant. I mean, if you would have asked me even a week ago I would have given the same answer from January. 

This pandemic, COVID-19, has shaken the entire world. I am a part of several social media groups for Worship Leaders and there is much anxiety and distress as things change almost daily. The majority of us are having to change everything that we have planned and prayed over for months, and we are having to plan and pray even harder for God to show us what it is that He is trying to teach us in these moments. 

​When I think about how this virus has effectively silenced life as we know it, I cannot help but contemplate a rest. For those of you who may not know, a rest is a musical notation that indicates the absence of sound, a period of silence. Any choir that I have every worked with has heard me say, many times, that we must observe the rests as we are working through our music. Rests represent a place for a musician to breathe. Rests, or moments of silence in music, are also effective in helping to craft a worshipful moment.  Rests are important, in music and in life.

This rest that we are collectively experiencing across the globe is just as  important as a rest in an anthem we may sing, or a worship song we may lead. I want us to take full advantage of this rest that we have found ourselves in. But I also understand how challenging this can be. I have stood in front of orchestras and watched musicians frantically counting their measures of rest to ensure that they come in at just the right moment.

I believe that God has something amazing to teach us as His people during this time of rest, and I want to ensure that we come out of this at just the right moment spiritually. It is my desire over these next days and weeks to encourage and spiritually challenge you as we observe the rest together.

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