The Power of Music

Whether you are a believer or not, I think everyone knows, to some degree, that music carries great power. It can cause a grown man to cry, but also lull a baby to sleep. It can heal the wounded soul, but also put fire in the heart. It can express the best that a community has to offer, but it can reflect the depravity of the soul. The words can add great depth, but often the music alone can stir one’s spirit. When we look at the Scriptures, music is woven all the way through it. There is a whole book of the Bible dedicated to this art... the Book of Psalms. This was their hymnal. A great musician leading the worship service can have an enormous influence on drawing hearts to God. Many of traditional hymns were grounded in great theology, while some even recounted specific passages from the Bible. When there is zeal in the life, the spirit often expresses itself in music. Even if one doesn’t have a perfect voice or hasn’t been trained to sing, we often sing in the shower. There is something so therapeutic in that. Some musical styles have come from necessity, such as chanting. Without sound systems, the leader would have struggled to be heard, but tones of the chant match the same tones as if we were shouting from the mountain tops. Other music is borrowed, such as “A Mighty Fortress” that many believe was originally a bar tune. Luther, the author, asked why should the world get all the good music? No matter what the style of music is, it is the message that the music conveys that determine to a large part, how good the music is. So, how much is music part of your worship at church, home, or in the car? How do you use it? ... to stay awake, to lift your soul to the Lord, to be background noise, or is there another purpose? I pity the believer who is unable or doesn’t use music often. How can we worship without music? Even heaven speaks of music there. Churches often argue more about the style of music that is played rather than debate the content and its theological message. Even though I often like to drive in silence, music is always near and dear to my heart. On Sunday, study the words of the hymns, allow the words to minister to you, and take the joy of worship with you when you leave. Father, may godly music fill my heart and mind each and every day. May music minister to hearts of many. Amen