Question for Christian bassists...

Matt Call · #1 12-01-2006, 08:05 PM

Do you ever find yourself in funk? Not the good kind. I'm talking the kind where you have a... "feeling" you're doing the wrong thing? I'm saying... you ever feel like the G-man/dude upstairs/etc. telling you to do something; but you don't know what?

It's wierd. I've always thought I wanted to go in a certain direction musically; but I'm getting this feeling that it's not what I really want to (or should) be doing.

I don't know if it's a reality check, or what?

Since I was a little kid, I've wanted to play music. I wanted to play in a "hard" band or do something of the sorts... as a form of ministry. I've had some awesome opportunities come and go my way. For whatever reasons. At one time it was school. At one time it was out of loyalty. I've had countless opportunities to fulfill that dream. Yet... lately...

I recently quit my church's worship teams due to personal conflicts (way too stupid to get into). I started playing with this band in Minneapolis. Great guys, great music. I was more excited than anything I've been involved with. We all had the same vision... a relative first for me. Last night, I told our singer that they should start looking for a replacement. I just don't think it's what I'm supposed to be doing. At the same time... I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing.

I feel like I've never known exactly what I AM supposed to be doing... only what I an NOT supposed to do. Make more/less sense?

Poop-Loops · #2 12-01-2006, 08:10 PM

Can you be more specific?

Are you getting a hankering to just start shredding some Black Metal?

Matt Call · #3 12-01-2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poop-Loops

Can you be more specific?

Are you getting a hankering to just start shredding some Black Metal?

Um... I thought I did. I got involved with a band, and was really excited about it. Give me a few minutes and I'll edit the original post...

markjazzbassist · #4 12-01-2006, 08:16 PM

you just need to pray and ask God that His Will will be done in your life. And then move on. No use worrying about it.

God has everything figured out. If you are following him then you will know what you should do.

Dave · #5 12-01-2006, 08:21 PM

Good, sound advice Mark. I came this close to attending a private, Christian college next year, by way of transfer. After a lot of prayer I just didnt feel like that was the direction I was being led in. Do I know whats in store for me? I havent a clue.

Matt Call · #6 12-01-2006, 08:24 PM

OK... I modified the original post. Just a little

.

Poop-Loops... you're in Auburn? I know a person or two in that area!

Poop-Loops · #7 12-01-2006, 08:28 PM

What a coincidence, so do I!

I'm actually surprised how many more people I am meeting from my area lately. A few years ago it was always "SoCal" or some other huge place. It was weird.

Matt Call · #8 12-01-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poop-Loops

What a coincidence, so do I!

I'm actually surprised how many more people I am meeting from my area lately. A few years ago it was always "SoCal" or some other huge place. It was weird.

Ha. I've never been there though...

Poop-Loops · #9 12-01-2006, 08:31 PM

Don't bother. =/

Well, actually, Washington is definately a beautiful place, but there's really nothing interesting in Auburn. Bellevue. Now that's where it's at. All the rich snobs live there.

EDIT: Err... sorry to hijack your thread.

JansenW · #10 12-01-2006, 08:50 PM

Knowing what you shouldn't be doing is a beginning. It frees you up to do many other things in His will. Pray for his direct leading.

mkrtu9 · #11 12-01-2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

you just need to pray and ask God that His Will will be done in your life. And then move on. No use worrying about it.

God has everything figured out. If you are following him then you will know what you should do.

+1, good advise. Advise that i've used several times.

BobWestbrook · #12 12-01-2006, 10:45 PM

In general, Solomon's words are a good starting place:

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:1-6 NIV)

If I become skillful at bass, I can impress a lot of people. If I become skillful in the Word of God, I can be useful in His service.

justinb515 · #13 12-01-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

you just need to pray and ask God that His Will will be done in your life. And then move on. No use worrying about it.

God has everything figured out. If you are following him then you will know what you should do.

+1. What many Christians don't understand is that just because a great opportunity comes to you, it doesn't necessarily mean that you should go for it. Discovering God's will for your life means turning down "good" opportunities if they are not going to push you forward in the direction HE wants you to go in.

mnadelin · #14 12-02-2006, 12:07 PM

Perhaps God has something bigger and/or better in store for you musically.

vindy500 · #15 12-02-2006, 12:17 PM

perhaps he doesnt want you focusing on music atm

Eminentbass · #16 12-02-2006, 01:05 PM

I don't know if I can answer your question but I can relate to what you're feeling. I've been confused at times because I thought I was following God's plan and then the bottom fell out. I'm currently in limbo because I'm playing in a great band and earning a decent living doing it but for the first time in my life I'm playing with guys who have different values to me and it's hard to be myself sometimes and I miss the positive influence of past company.

All I can say is that your/our happiness is God's number one priority. He gave you the talents you have and the ability to dream. I've followed my dreams because I truly believe that God will bless the work of my hands and I can honestly say that He has.

I know that our lives are punctuated by different seasons and for now I'm seeing this one through. I don't want to to preach but I believe that who I am is much more of a ministry than whether or not I sing about God in every song. Even when playing in a Christian band I felt my ministry was in how I related to people offstage and that's really where they'd see God in me.

I don't know if my tangent has touched on your situation at all but I wish you the best in your search.

uhdum · #17 12-03-2006, 04:26 PM

My friend,

In my experience I have discovered that God often asks us to do things that may seem irrational at the time. I just recently left a church as a youth pastor after a very satisfying nine months. I planned on being there a lot longer. But I felt that it was time to go... I shared with them, "You may not understand, and I don't expect you to, but God is telling me to leave."

It is funny how, at times, God keeps closing door after door. Please continue to pray, be patient, and look for opportunities the Lord gives you. To be honest, I am in the same boat as you. I know for sure what God DOESN'T want me to do, but I'm a little unclear on what I am supposed to do. I know that I want to focus on music right now as service to God, but I too am in a little bit of limbo.

This looks to be a time where you can be tested and have an opportunity to grow. As others have said, stay true to the word, stay true to your God, and keep your eyes focused on Him. He WILL show you the way... it sounds like He's going to use this experience to grow you, as well.

BassChuck · #18 12-04-2006, 05:29 AM

Your best ministry is leading a good life. Live by example, not by words. Befriend people at their level, not yours. Don't give advise unless asked... then give the only advise worth giving: "Calm your mind and follow your heart".

Never, never, never judge anyone for any reason.