Hi,
The first show was last night. Wow! You have to come out and be a part of it. There is the sweetest surprise at the beginning of the night, and I’m not going to spoil it for you. I will say that all the artists are on stage to open the night with acoustic guitars, four part harmonies, and adorable smiles.
I’m so tired today. It always seems like 1 hour of sleep on a bus equals 30 minutes of sleep anywhere else. I would love to write something thought provoking and deep, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have the brain power to do so (yes, I’m using tiredness as an excuse to not use my brain as well).
Traveling, meeting new people everyday, not taking showers, and everything else that comes along with the road, is completley the opposite of what makes me comfortable and secure.
Isn’t that how it tends to be? I’m thankful the Lord puts us all in situations that can cause us to grow, stretch, and be used in a way we didn’t expect,if we allow Him too. I’m afraid of what I’d be today if the Lord didn’t love me enough to put me in “uncomfortable” situations. I’m so thankful that God is our refuge and strength. It’s day two into the tour, and I’m already completley aware of how much I’ll fail everyone if I’m not asking Him to be my source of strength, and running to Him alone to be my refuge.
Above all the discomfort, is the blessing of almost always traveling with my sweethearted husband, which far outweighs any difficulty. I don’t want to come off like I think my life is all hard, because I know I’m in an extremly fortunate position.
Ok, well this post makes me feel unusually vulnerable. Let me know how you can relate so I don’t feel like a crazy.
What are some practical things you do in your life ,when you are feeling overwhelmed and stupid (can you tell I had a weird day yesterday?), to make sure that He is your source of strength and your refuge?
- Mallory
Hey Mallory-
I travel doing music ministry to youth. I TOTALLY understand how you’re feeling here. It’s my daily life! I just wanted to remind you (because I know you know this already), that God gives us strength and refreshment every day (hence the scripture “He gives us strength according to our days”). If we find ourselves scattered and feeling distant from God or discouraged, all we have to do is plug in to that promise. Make time… even if it’s only 10 minutes… every day to refresh your heart in His presence. No matter what we face, He’ll give us grace and strength to face it with a smile and His grace shining through us! I will pray that you’ll see His face in every situation you face. Much love to you guys!!
Tabitha
[...] The First Night | Phil Wickham [...]
The show last night in Denver was truly a blessing to me! Seriously, probably one of the best concerts I’ve been to due to the heart behind the music and how the Lord prepared me for the night. Since I didn’t see any of the guys after the show, I just wanted to drop a note and say THANK YOU! Phil, you have an incredible way of bringing us into His presence, and the “Awake my soul” number you all did at the beginning was an InCrEdIbLe way to start off the night! ~ PLEASE say you’ll consider making it a track we can get on iTunes or somewhere at some point!
Also, Phil, you said you had never sung the “Jesus, Savior” little song you did in the middle of Cannons (?) last night… did you seriously make it up on the spot?! Loved it!
So, again, thank you for coming out to Denver! The sun seems to be shining just a bit brighter this morning after having a night like last night.
Prayers from Colorado for safety and good health throughout the rest of the tour! And Mallory, You are so sweet. I really enjoy your honesty in your posts. Please don’t change!
Mallory – My husband and I were so blessed by the concert in Edmond, OK on Sunday night. We both grew up in Christian traditions that did not believe in instrumental music as an expression of worship. Phil’s music has been a conduit not only of all the ways we can lift up God through music but also of freedom in expression to raise hands and dance and allow praise to flow through our bodies – on stage Phil looks as if his body can barely contain all of his praise and adoration – the first time we saw him in concert that was a new and freeing experience for us. The chorus of Divine Romance has become a family tradition for us with our two little boys – our 5 yr. old was very excited to meet Phil on Sat. afternoon
– as we sing and dance and raise hands before the Lord in our living room in the middle of crazy chaotic days. One of the reasons I wanted to write this to you was to say that I don’t know the sacrifices you, Mallory, make in your life in order to be a part of Phil’s ministry but I want you to know that we think of you and appreciate not just Phil’s work but also your work and sacrifice. So on crazy, exhausting, missing your own bed days please remember that you, Mallory, do not go unnoticed or unappreciated in our hearts, minds, and prayers. Blessings on you, Phil, Leeland and the guys, Matt and all of the wives, kiddos, band members etc. that travel with you or make the sacrifice of letting their loved one travel without them in order to bless all of us.
PS…
My “former life” took me into situations like yours, and unless you think of it as a grand adventure/chapter in your life to share with your kids when your old and gray, you’re going to be miserable!!! Take lots of pictures too!!!! I **didn’t** and now I just have my fuzzy memories!!!
I am so-so-so sad that the East Coast (anywhere within 100 miles of Cleveland) isn’t getting a dose of Wickham/Leeland…
I was so very excited when I saw that AH-mazing combo! :/
Anyhow… can you think about recording a LIVE version?!?! I would SO buy a copy to use before I start my morning devotional…. (and drive to the store, and grocery shop, and cook dinner, and clean… hehe)
Please consider it?! Even if it’s a rough copy you post on your website and have Palpay payments to get a downloadable version!!!!
May God anoint your tour to bring many-many to the flock!
-Leah
Ps… thank you for Divine Romance!
Woohoo! I’m excited about tomorrow’s concert in Edmond, OK. I can’t wait to fill up my cup with some Phil. God be with you guys as you travel.
Hey Mallory! Your name is the same as my brothers girlfriend (Just some fun, trivial information). I totally understand what you mean by feeling fortunate yet unfortunate with situations at times. Like, this year, for example: I live in a beautiful house with a lovely church family when BOOM! I get into trouble with my cousin that has molested me and was threatening it again and what not, it was really hard! But God had me break into peices to show me that He is always there to fill in the cracks! There you go, now I feel vulnerable. You and husband are in my prayers! Bye! (Awesome job with the posts by the way)
Hi Mallory,
The best thing to do when you’re feeling weak and overwhelmed is to hide the truth of God’s word in your heart. Not just read about it in His word but know it in a really deep way. If we believe that God is our adequacy despite our failings we will remain strong in everything. I’ve been where you’ve been before. I’ve done stupid things and tried to function with a lack of sleep amidst other challenges! Knowing that God is there, that he never changes, and that He is enough for us brings incomprehensible peace and comfort. These verses are so powerful and I’m sure they will strengthen you too: Romans 8:28, 2nd Corinthians 3:5, Ephesians 5:20, and Philippians 4:6-8
Love in Christ,
Lauren
Hi,
Who are all of Phil’s band members? Who is playing drums for him this tour?
Thanks!
So, i just read this post and i was surprised at the openess and honesty in it. It was a pleasant surprise. It was good. And you’re open enough to ask us for our advice? Complete strangers, we have never met, yet we are still connected. my heart goes out to you. And if my heart goes out, guess what? God’s heart is out there too. for i could not feel empathy without Him. trust me on that.
Anyway, my advice is journaling. really it is a lot like what you just did. or maybe blogging could be your journaling. all you really do is write down your thoughts, feelings, passions, worries, prayers. i don’t know about anyone else, but it almost always brings me closer to intimacy with God.
Something that you could always write about is your passions, or where you are with God. The trick is honesty with God and yourself, which you seem to have. It is really a great trait to be blessed with.
Christ be with you. Always.
I’m so excited for april 26! that’s when i’m going to see them in concert:)
Hey Mallory,
Our local TV show which covers this part of East Texas that you will be travelling to on Saturday night would like to do an interview with Phil and YOU before or after the show. Simple down to earth questions, sharing your heart about the vision God has given both of you. Would you please drop me a line and let me know if you have 15 minutes to sqeeze into your day? We would send a camera person so you would not have to travel.
Hope that you read this comment soon!!!
Thanks!
Rebecca
ohh how i wish i could go to one of these concerts =(
i have those days alot! haha!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13.
I really don’t like getting out if my comfort zone..however..after I got saved, the Lord pushed me out of myself so I would cling to Him and grow stronger. It didn’t seem fun at the time at all. But looking back, I see He was healing me more by stretching me..He wanted more from me..to bless me eventually..but more importantly, to glorify Him. Keep in the Word and prayer..pray with others. He will renew your strength. It’s amazing to see the difference of when I am doing things on my own strength..or leaning on Him with a joyful trust that He is getting me through and will get me through when I am exhausted and worn out. Much love and peace to you.
Keep it up Mallory! You’re doing a great thing by sharing your/Phil’s prayer requests and connecting with the fellowship of believers. When my wife and I moved to CA 2 years ago for my worship leader position, we followed God’s leading to a place where we knew no one. We found through prayer and our strong support for one another, God used that valley to strengthen our faith and focus more intently on Him. Hope you have a blast! (despite the road wear…)
I am spending 3 months in Argentina for a semester abroad. The family I am staying with are missionaries and for devotions today we read about God being our refuge and strength. Coincidence that you talked about it here…nope. Anyway, the verse that has helped me here especially has been Ps. 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. When the feeling of overwhelmness (totally not a word) comes…I go to the Rock that is higher than me in prayer.
I love it when I hit that point where I FINALLY remember that I can’t do it with the Lord. That moment of sweet surrender is a strange comfort to me. I will be praying for you guys – ya’ll need to come to Tallahassee again!
oops. make that “without” the Lord. Doh!
oh my gosh! A SURPRISE!?
I just can’t wait now!! Seeing Phil next week!
I love your blogs!
And you are definitly not a crazy because I can totally relate.
I hate feeling out of my comfort zone where I don’t feel secure. It’s crazy though how those stretching and trying things are the ones that in the end bring us closer to being the person God intends us to be.
This verse always encourages me when I feel overwhelmed:
“but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (rom. 5:3)
What I would do is watch a REALLY funny movie. like Princess Bride or I Love you Man or Airplane that way you can laugh at something else besides yourself C:
Praying the rest of the tour goes great! yay God!
I have zero suggestions at the moment (I think I’m having one of those days too?) but know that you are on my mind, Mallory! I’ll be lifting you and the tour up in prayer.