The Sound of Music

Music has always been an important part of my life. My mom played piano since long before I was born. We had devotions in the evening and would sing a few hymns. Actually, in the mission field, many of those nights were lit up by kerosene or hurricane lanterns. Our family formed a barbershop quartet. I learned to sing harmony by listening to my dad. I sang in church choirs and college choirs. I even took a year to be on a music ministry team. I could even say one of my favorite movies was the Sound of Music. By the way, some of the original Von Trappe family that the movie was based on went to Papua New Guinea as missionaries and taught some natives to sing many classical pieces. Music is a way of expressing our soul. When our spirit is broken, there usually is no music left... until healing can be found. A whole book of the Bible is based on music... the book of Psalms. This same music can either praise God or express the depravity of man. Many secular pieces today speak of things that should be unspeakable. When we listen to that music, part of its message resides in our heart as music has a profound way of planting itself in our lives and memory. Many people have important memories that are tied to specific pieces of music... wedding, first date, or other important events where music was being played. We have to make sure we are not giving the Devil access to our heart by opening ourselves to all this secular music. On the other hand, music can minister to the heart and sooth the soul of those that listen to worship music... and sometimes classical pieces of music. If we could put Bible verses to music, we would all probably be able to memorize these passages. So how will you use music in your daily life. Do you sing songs of praise and worship... when you are alone... even in the shower? Do you play it in the car or home when others are around so that they might be uplifted? Today, we used music to minister to a retirement home. It was a real joy to use that which is so precious to me to share with others... even if they don’t fully get it because I believe the spirit within us always responds to it. I would love to sing in a choir or quartet again... maybe even barbershop music. Father, help us to use music as a way to lift our heart and voice to You. Help us to bring this glorious music to others others. Amen