Thoughts from a Musician's Heart

WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE? by Diana Haskell

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Nervousness while performing has often been an issue for me. My thoughts race and I wonder what others will think. However, the dream I recount below —or rather, the Person of Jesus Christ who is front and center in the dream — has given me comfort many times when anxious thoughts enter my mind. Perhaps it will help you as well.

In this dream I was playing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with eyes closed. As I opened my eyes, a music stand with the music faced me. I was almost blinded by the brightness of a spotlight shining from far above. This light revealed a perfectly round clearing with a thick stand of massive trees all around me.

I became aware of a presence and peered around the music stand to the other side.There sat a person facing me, cross-legged, chin in hand with a big smile. He listened intently as I played through movement one, then movement two and three of K. 622. Though I cannot describe this person, I knew immediately it was Jesus. He was not judging. He was listening with great joy and love in His eyes. It was quite humbling and it brought tears to my eyes as I realized there was NO JUDGEMENT — only Love!

This dream has given me a deep and abiding realization that Christ indeed is my ‘audience of One’. He listens with love, total acceptance and joy!

As you play next time, imagine Jesus listening to you. Let go and play for Him. He is your most devoted and loving audience!

I try to please the One who sent me. John 5:30

The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud… 2 Chronicles 5:13

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17