“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
As a vocal coach, I’m constantly reminding students to engage their core in order to increase their vocal production and support their vocal tone. When conducting vocal Masterclasses, the conversation usually goes like this:
Me: “How did your voice feel?”
Student: “It felt strained.”
Me: “Sing it again and engage your core.”
Student: “Wow, that felt much better.”
Yeah, because I haven’t told you that a million times already.
As a singer, I know that I need to engage my core to support my breath and vocal production. If I don’t, my throat hurts and my vocal tone sounds strained.
While working out, I know that I need to engage my core to avoid injuries. If I don’t, I feel pain and strain in my lower back. I recently went for a run and wasn’t running as smoothly as I would have liked, and I realized I wasn’t fully engaging my core.
When your core isn’t engaged, you feel like something’s off.
Can you tell where I’m going with this?
If something in your life feels off, re-engage your core by going to the source of all comfort: God’s truth.
Remind yourself daily, and throughout the day. Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer.
There will be times when you engage with God without thinking about it- scripture pops into your head, or the Holy Spirit keeps your mouth shut (yup, I get that one a lot). But in order for that to happen, you need to be intentional in your practice of praying and reading the Bible.
Here are some ideas for staying engaged with God each day. . . even if your schedule is crazy busy:
- Download the “First 5” app from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s a free Bible study app that posts a five-minute scripture reading and devotional every morning.
- Sign up for BibleGateway.com‘s Verse of the Day email. Make it the first email you read each morning.
- Find Bible verses that remind you to engage with God and keep your focus on Him. Write them on index cards and put them on your desk or bathroom mirror. Here are a few of mine: Ephesians 3:20-21; Romans 12:12; Psalm 94:18
And when you core is engaged, it should be evident to those around you.
One of my choir students engaged her core during a concert, and we all knew it because her phone slide out of its hiding place in her dress and slammed on the ground. At least she said her voice felt stronger once she engaged her core.
If those around you see a difference in you and your daily behaviors, use the opportunity to tell them what you’re doing to engage with Christ.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. . .
So, let’s be intentional about engaging with God daily through His Word and through prayer!
How will you make time to intentionally engage with God this week? How can you engage with Him throughout your day?
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
