When I first moved to the Central Coast, I only had a push bike. After a few months, I finally got a car—an old Corolla that only had a CD player. Around that time, when I was 18, I started to really love Christian music. I hadn't experienced this form of worship in the Lutheran church back home. One of my favorite Christian bands was United Pursuit. I first heard their songs at a worship and prayer night. They were so simple and repetitive, yet so genuine and authentic.
So, I did the Christian thing and illegally downloaded their songs and burnt a CD for my car. That CD became the soundtrack for my early years on the coast. Don’t worry; I now give them plenty of listens on Spotify to make up for my crimes.
In those early days, the simplicity of having only a CD player in my car became a symbol of a more profound spiritual journey. Listening to those United Pursuit songs, I found a new way to connect with God. The repetitive nature of their music allowed me to meditate on the lyrics, turning my daily drives into a form of worship. The songs became prayers, and my car transformed into a sanctuary.
One scripture that often comes to mind when I think about those times is Psalm 46:10, which says, "Be still, and know that I am God." This verse encapsulates the essence of simplicity and the importance of slowing down to truly experience God's presence. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the rush of achieving our goals and forget the beauty of the present moment. But God's call to "be still" reminds us that we can find Him in the quiet, simple moments of our lives.
Now, I feel a calling back to simplicity. My good friend Matt Gelding from Soul Survivor NSW, a large non-profit with a significant budget and reach, gave me some advice recently. He said, "We are not in a hurry." How true! Although my ego wants to rush and reach my goals at record speed, perhaps there is beauty in simplicity, in the genuine, in the authentic.
Reflecting on this advice, I am reminded of another scripture, Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." This passage speaks to the peace and rest that come from following Jesus' way, a way that is not rushed or burdened but gentle and humble.
The music of United Pursuit has become a reminder of these truths. Their new songs continue to resonate with me, offering a space for reflection and meditation. They are very repetitive, but maybe you can use them as a meditation:
"Not in a Hurry" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeWuavHf4oY
"Simple Gospel" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJV7j5D3PU
"Let It Happen" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvsAV-MgGao
As you listen, I encourage you to embrace the simplicity and let the repetitive lyrics draw you into a deeper connection with God. Allow the music to remind you to be still, to rest in His presence, and to find beauty in the simplicity of your journey.
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