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Philippians 4:4 says "rejoice always." How do we do that? Here are five suggestions.
For most technical directors and technical volunteers, the Holiday season finishes out the year with long hours and higher stress loads. All of us face busy seasons throughout the year, and I suspect that for many of us we will be awaking from our Thanksgiving food coma to be greeted by a very busy year-end. That may mean managing extra rehearsals, supporting special holiday events, pulling off additional services for Christmas, and much more. The journey that begins at Thanksgiving and ends just after Christmas is one with pitfalls for many technical people in the Body of Christ.
Some of these pitfalls are more obvious and easier to avoid. Others are less obvious and have a negative impact on our relationship to God and others. How can we prevent ourselves from becoming cynical and negative in our attitude? How can we lead ourselves well? How can we lead our teams well? Rather than focus on the potential pitfalls, let's look at a few practical ways we can allow God to meet our needs and work in us.
Before we jump in, you must know that this requires being intentional. It won't simply happen for you unless you apply the truths to real life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:4-8 ESV.
Rejoice
How can we “rejoice always?” In my opinion, a very simple way of doing this is by sitting down to consider who God is and all He has done for and in you. Prayerfully read Isaiah 53 and consider it. Consider specific ways you’ve seen God move in your life. Take opportunities as you are working and serving to share these things and make it a priority to brag on the Lord.
Prayer with Thanksgiving
I cannot understate prayer. When we come to God in prayer we are acknowledging our need and dependency on Him. The simple act of doing this alone has a way of adjusting our perspective about God, ourselves, and other people. Practically though, how can we pray?
Prayer for leadership
These are the people who lead you. When issues arise in the next few weeks or when something has become overwhelming for your or someone you serve alongside, be the first to jump into praying together. Be sincere and honest. Be vulnerable in sharing. Be hopeful in prayer.
Prayer in teams
Share with one another how you're seeing the faithfulness of God. Share the things that are concerns or issues. Then pray as a team. Do this together every time you meet. In my experience, for technically minded people groups of three or four works very well.
Pray in families
For the married people: you need the support of your spouse. I've often erred with my wife by not telling her about a busy season I knew was coming. I just wasn't thinking. Share with your spouse or your family your concerns for the upcoming season and allow the opportunity to pray together.
Being intentional means having a plan about how you're going to handle what you know will be a demanding season. Having a plan in place before the stress begins will reduce anxiety and allow us to experience the “peace that surpasses all understanding” and the “peace on Earth” that is the core of the Christmas season.
