Most people who know me know how much I love music.  It doesn't usually matter what kind, as long as it has a catchy sound.  I especially appreciate songs that struggle with the things of life and reality; songs that ask questions about God, life, relationships, etc.   I got to take my two oldest children to their very first rock concert the other night.  A couple of Christian bands were in town and both my son and my daughter (including myself) really enjoy listening to these two bands.  As many concerts as I've been to, I always seem to forget the level of energy and excitement that is generated from the fans.  Being a Christian concert, the bands were pretty forthright in directing the excitement to the appropriate recipient-God Himself. 
 
As I watched my kids pump their fists in the air as Scripture was read; as I watched them clap, dance, and jump to music that sung about the consistent presence of God even during dark times in our lives, I got excited to see their child-like faith.  I'm trying to teach my kids not only to have an appreciation of all the different kinds of music, but also to listen to the lyrics, because content is important.  Thinking about the war we as believers are constantly fighting, I don't always remember God's presence or His faithfulness.  I want immediate relief instead of trusting the process of God's timing to heal me and strengthen me in various areas of my life.  I also realized I don't have the exuberance about God I once had.  Sure, I experience that in spurts, maybe when I'm on a spiritual high.  But James was pretty explicit that we should "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  I don't want to face trials, but I know they are necessary for my own growth and they are inevitable from an enemy who will stop at nothing to destroy me. 
 
So, back to the concert.  I was reminded as I watched my kids enjoy the music, that I should have some level of excitement that I get to serve a God of redemption who will stop at nothing to see me changed in every aspect of my life.  This is a constant, ever-present reality, not a one-time event.  I guess I need to listen more closely to the music God is playing in my life.  Sometimes, He wants me to jump around and scream at the top of my lungs while other times He wants me to settle down and be still.  Regardless of what He is asking, the important thing is that I'm listening to His music and doing what He instructs.