Have you ever stopped to consider the power of music? Have you ever had an experience where you hear a song on the radio and then you find yourself remembering things from your life or even experiencing emotions from when you first heard the song? Couples commonly have a “song” which commemorates some part of their relationship (first date, anniversary, proposal, etc.)
Music is also a powerful method of delivering messages. Companies commonly use music to advertise their products. With all the technology available to us, one of the most effective advertising methods is still the good old-fashioned jingle. Why? Because when people hear a catchy song, they remember it, along with the message or product that goes with it. How many of you can think of McDonald’s without the song “I’m Lovin’ it” going through your head? Does this affect the way you think about McDonald’s? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s definitely catchy and memorable. And in the world of advertising, memorable equals successful.
Just recently, I’ve been struggling with what I can only describe as a “blah” feeling. There haven’t been any severe adverse circumstances and I really can’t call it discouragement or depression, just blah. The Lord knew what I needed. I got alone with Him and I hammered out a couple of new songs on my guitar. Spending time worshipping the Lord, especially with a new song, always lifts my spirits and energizes me to fight on for the Kingdom of God. It’s just another reason why music is so important to me.
Here’s a couple of random thoughts to go with this:
1) If you find yourself discouraged or depressed, try singing praise to the Lord or playing a worship CD.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
2Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
3Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
4Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6Let everything that lives sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
You’ll be amazed at the difference that worship music will make in your home or workplace. It creates an atmosphere that welcomes the presence of the Holy Spirit and consequently the peace that only God can bring. If you want to notice an even bigger difference, try singing with the CD or even singing your own words of praise to God. If you feel real daring, try dancing around as you sing. I can’t describe the feeling of joy and encouragement that the Lord brings to you during these times. You just have to experience it for yourself.
2) Be careful about listening to other kinds of music.
Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t think that it is evil to listen to non-Christian music, but I will caution you to carefully examine the message that is being communicated. Music is very powerful and many people underestimate the effect that it can have on their life. Music is a strong spiritual force, and the message behind the beat is absorbed on a spiritual level. Most of the time you don’t even realize what’s going on.
The Bible exhorts us to think about good things and not negative things.
Philip. 4:8
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
So if your music presents a negative message, why allow it to be absorbed by your spirit?
Just try an experiment. Take one week to only play music that glorifies God and see if the atmosphere in your home or workplace changes. You will be amazed to notice how much better you feel. Music that praises God energizes your spirit and truly soothes your soul.
