DRUMS
PLAYING THROUGH THE HARD PLACES | Carl Albrecht photo by Josh Sorenson via Unsplash
The musical journey of a musician is always in process . Discovering how to groove better , developing more chops , learning the latest technology … etc . It ’ s all important . But let ’ s step back again and address the “ heart of the worship musician .” Keeping your focus on the Lord , serving the worship leader , and leading people into His presence , is your highest calling . Everything else serves that . Even after 50 years of drumming there are times I still have to press through the hard places to remember that . I hope you find comfort in this story . Let ’ s talk !
We always have to stay tuned to the Lord as we play . And yet , things will happen that can distract us from our calling as a worship musician . So staying focused when distractions happen can keep you from loosing heart , and help maintain your passion as you play .
At a recent event the Lord was drawing me closer to Himself . He was calling me to be more aware of His presence as I played . We had finished praying before the service , but it didn ’ t really feel like a profound moment of seeking the Lord for me . Honestly I felt like I was struggling the whole weekend . The drum kit was new to me , and I never really felt like I got it tuned up and dialed in to the way I wanted it to sound . So that was the first distraction . Then it seemed like the “ in-ear ” mixes were not really working well for us . And last but not least , the worship leader was not really feeling there was enough energy coming from the band . So I tried a few things to create some “ drive ” to the drum parts I normally play . They were not happy with the changes ! It ’ s a bummer when you think you ’ re helping and it is actually having the opposite affect . Sigh … And so it happens .
In the middle of the struggle I sensed the Lord saying to just worship Him . Don ’ t focus on what is not working , or not perfect … just do your best and pour your heart into it . And so I put on my best “ game face ” and sat down at the drums to express my love for the Lord in what He has gifted me to do . As one of the pastors welcomed everyone and started to pray , the band started to play softly under what was being said . I honestly didn ’ t hear him ( the pastor ) very clearly , but the Lord spoke to me . He said , “ Play so softly that know one else can hear it . But I will hear it … and right now that is all that matters .” So for the next few moments I just used my fingers and played the drums and cymbals to worship the Lord . I was flowing with the other sounds coming from the band , but it was as soft as I could play it . If anyone else heard it didn ’ t matter . I was doing it at the Lord ’ s request .
My heart seemed to be refocused on why I was there and what worship is really about … and “ Who ” it really is for . Yes , I ’ m there so serve the band and the people , but my first calling is to make music for the Lord . And so I immediately felt spiritually recalibrated . As the band launched into the songs the flow of worship seemed to be stronger , and everyone responded with more passion .
The other issues were not fully resolved . It was better I guess … or maybe I just didn ’ t focus on the negative as much . Either way , it
didn ’ t seem to matter . I just had the feeling of jumping off of a cliff into a perfect swimming hole . The presence of the Lord does that to me sometimes . I hope you feel that when you are worshipping too . I was still working hard to focus on the music and deal with some of the technical distractions . Just because I was having a good time in the presence of the Lord does not mean that I neglected the job I had to do . But being focused on the Lord and sensing His nearness gave me strength and determination to overcome them . I pray that as you grow in all that the Lord has gifted you to do as a musician / drummer … as a child of God … that you will ALWAYS be aware of the Lord ’ s presence around you as you walk out your journey in HIM .
Keep your focus on HIM !
Blessings on the journey .
Carl Albrecht Professional drummer for 30 + years , playing with Paul Baloche , Don Moen , Ron Kenoly , Abe Laboriel , LeAnn Rimes and others . He ’ s also a clinician , author & pastor . Contact Carl for coaching , online lessons , producing , or sessions . I ’ m still growing too ... www . CarlAlbrecht . com LMAlbrecht @ aol . com
98 February 2024 Subscribe for Free ...