The first I actually already knew, but was reiterated. I have an amazing husband. Of course, I knew he was awesome, but watching him at the concert made me realize this fact again and realize that he is selfless. You see, he doesn't like U2. He doesn't hate them, but he doesn't like them either. If it were up to Jason, he would not go to any huge concert, especially one being held at Heinz field performed by U2. Not only did he attend the concert, he purchased the tickets as a surprise for me for Christmas. Then, instead of asking me to take someone else, he went and endured, what I think was maybe just a semi-enjoyable concert experience for him. So #1: My husband is awesome.
The second thing I learned is that I actually don't like big huge concerts either. Now don't get me wrong, I know for us this was a once in a lifetime experience and one I am blessed to have had. I am 100% grateful that we were able to go and I was able to enjoy live music by my favorite band! I don't like big huge concerts because it reminds me a lot of idol worship. Now I'm not going to say someone is wrong for attending any concert. I understand why people go and I've enjoyed a few myself, but being at last night's concert made me realize that I do not really want to spend that kind of time or money on a concert that isn't God centered. It was great listening to music and at one point we were singing "rejoice," but there was not much of an explanation of who we were rejoicing. My favorite concert of all time was Chris Tomlin, because the concert was not about Chris Tomlin, it was about the God who saves us! For me personally, I want to go to worship "concerts." Actually, I want church to be like last night. That is really the second thing I learned while watching people worship U2 (Bono in particular). Not everyone was worshiping them, of course. I know quite a few people who went who just like live music, but being there made me feel sad for those who almost put their hope in things of this world. It also made me sad that we as Christians do not respond that way to Jesus. I want people standing up yelling for God, rejoicing Him and maybe even wearing a t-shirt with Jesus on it, instead of Bono. Am I contradicting myself because I don't worship this way on Sundays? Not necessarily. I guess I would love to be able to take that passion for a band and put it towards my faith.
The third thing I learned is that the Bible is true. I commented on Philippians 4:4-9 in a previous blog. I've been working on doing this on a daily basis, and yesterday, it worked! I woke up feeling anxious about the concert. Oh great, here we go again. I can't even enjoy a fun outing because of this darn anxiety. I had sent this passage to a friend via text a few weeks ago when she was struggling with travel anxiety. at the time, I locked it because I knew I would probably need it one day. While at work, I looked at my text and God spoke to me clearly through His work.
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9
Through God's word and power, the anxiety went away and I actually got excited for the concert. God overwhelmed me with His peace so that I could go, enjoy time with my husband and learn three things.
