The Power of Music

 Research indicates that music does have great powers.  It is increasingly used to promote healing and to reduce stress.  At SRU we have a Music Therapy program that is booming.  The program claims that  it provides the skills necessary so future graduates would become professionals who could offer therapeutic support to people of all ages with a wide range of physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, developmental, sensory and social needs. Like one devotional reading I read this morning commented, God knew about that all along.  He designed it this way.

Back in the Old Testament, we see young David playing the lyre for King Saul when he was tormented by demons, resulting on Saul feeling refreshed and at peace, and the evil spirits fleeing from him. (1 Samuel 16: 23)  In the New Testament, Paul tells us to be careful how we live our lives.  He said to not be foolish, avoid debauchery and to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5: 15-20)

Music can be a formidable force for good when composed for the Lord.  It can move us and renew us as part of worship.  It can transport us to a place of praise and peace.  Have you ever sang a song at church that touches you so deeply that you can't stop the tears from freely flowing from your eyes? The Spirit within us rejoices and stirs inside manifesting Himself in ways beyond our comprehension.  It cleanses us, clears the clutter in our mind and hushes the usual, daily noises that keep us from hearing the One True, Holy Ghost speak directly to us.  Like with Saul, music was the instrument God used to chase the evil spirit away, so the Spirit of Peace could take hold and release his tortured soul.   

The same way, I believe, music can incite to violence and darkness too.  Therefore, we should pay attention to the music we let into our brain.  "Be careful little ears what you hear..." we tell our kids...well...there's a lot of wisdom in that song.  Like everything else, music's power can be used for the wrong purposes.  Music created as an offering to the Lord should be the priority in our play lists.  I know it is difficult to exclusively listen to Christian music all the time.  But at least we should strive to enjoy a big dose of it on a regular basis.  We should share it with others when we hear one that makes us think of someone who would benefit from listening to it.  We should have our go-to-songs for all occasions.  I know I don't always take notice of my own advice...but ever since I discovered Christian music not quite 20 years ago, I can testify it did change my life.  And I pray it changes yours as well.

May the Lord Who Sings Over Us, teach us the way to keeping music as a part of our worship and praise.  In His Precious Name I pray.  Amen!