Turn Up the BOOM

Music. The creative rhythm and emittance of the soul.  A plethora of genres exist to soothe the variety of human personalities as well as the same person at different times.  And certain music is appropriate for certain occasions: a slow song during a love scene or a fast beat for dancing around the bedroom. And, of course, loud, fast music is needed for running.  Why? Because loud, fast music brings “the boom” to the workout. I have a “hammer” playlist for running hills to give me an edge up when the terrain is steep.

My soul feeds on my music playlist, but it also is bolstered by my “scriptural playlist.” We relate to God via an assortment of approaches in a similar way in which people connect to music. Sometimes there is comfort, mercy, conviction, joy, or hope.  Other times, reflection and gratitude. The list goes on.

From time to time, the battle in our lives is uphill, whether in our careers, relationships, finances, or goals. Life is tough. So we have to get resilient. How? By channeling the truth of God’s strength.  I’m developing a “power playlist” of God’s Word to help me up life’s hills. Let me illustrate.

Have you ever read the Book of Job? Poor Job. He has such a nice life, and it is all wiped away in a day.  All. Gone. Then, he is afflicted by disease and suffers through the terrible advice of rather self-centered friends.  In Job 31:35 (NIV) he even goes so far as to throw down with God saying, “Oh, that I had someone to hear me!  I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me.” Whoa, that is some nerve, calling God to the carpet like that.

And in chapter 38:4-5, God gives His response in a big way.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?”

God goes on to further illustrate His strength in Job 38:22-24.

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow
or seen the storehouses of the hail,
23 which I reserve for times of trouble,
for days of war and battle?
24 What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed,
or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth?”

I love that. Our God is the powerful Creator of the earth, Author of life, full of truth and goodness. His strength is the perfect refuge for our uphill battles.

Psalm 89:6-8 echoes the power of God.

“For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?
Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.
8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.”

God is stronger than any struggle and tougher than any trial. He is on point all the time. Get behind him. Create your own “playlist” of your favorite verses to read when life socks you in the face. When the plagues of your life begin attacking, get down on your knees, grab your Bible, and fire up your Big God Playlist of Bible passages. Remember the power of God over enemies. He is your victory.

• “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4
• “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
• “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
• “The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Psalm 28:8
• “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19

Life is hard. I think everyone can get on board with that. Look to the God in the verses above to be your guide. When it’s tough and you need a lift, a hand, or a shove, turn up the boom on your quiet time and remember that God is who He says He is.