Music.
It has the power to thrill our hearts, calm our fears, and strengthen our resolve.
Music energizes, encourages, and inspires. It even augments our connection to God.
So it’s no wonder that, in the Bible:
- There are more than 400 references to singing.
- There are fifty direct commands to sing.
- The longest book is a collection of songs.
It would seem that music is important to God. In fact, God himself sings.
GOD SINGS
David proclaimed,
(“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance — Psalm 32:7”)
Granted, we may not hear an actual melody, but the power of his Word sings comfort, hope, and strength into our spirits., much as we can “sing high praises” of someone, without a tune.
The sons of Korah, who were temple musicians, composed Psalm 42. In verse eight they state, “At night his song is with me.” Job also spoke of God “who gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10). In other words, even when we face dark circumstances, God gives his song of help, salvation, and deliverance.
One more affirmation that God sings is found in this uplifting verse from Zephaniah:
(“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing”–3:17.)
His songs can inspire courage, like a rousing march. His songs can be like sweet lullabies, expressing peace and love. And they can be joyful and upbeat, expressing delight in who we are becoming.
The power of God’s songs is in his attributes expressed.
NATURE SINGS
An anonymous psalmist wrote:
“All the earth bows down to you, [God]; they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name–Psalm 66:4.”)
Other scriptures offer more specificity:
- Trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:33).
- Meadows, flocks, valleys, and grain shout for joy and sing (Psalm 66:13).
- Birds of the air sing among the branches (Psalm 104:12).
- The heavens sing for joy (Isaiah 44:23).
- Mountains burst into song (Isaiah 49:13).
Did you notice a theme? All creation sings for joy to their Maker.
Perhaps the biblical poets were speaking metaphorically, giving musical voices to creation where none really exist (except for the birds, of course). However, is it not possible that a choral symphony is wafting on the wind–it’s just that our human ears cannot hear that particular range of decibels? (Just like we can’t hear a dog whistle.)
Imagine:
- Trees providing sweeping arias
- Meadows and valleys echoing the refrain
- Birds creating the grace notes
- The heavens resounding in a mighty chorus of melody and harmonies
- The mountains booming deep, rich bass notes
The power of nature’s song may very well be ringing around us this very moment.
WE SING
Praise God he has given us the ability to sing also. What a precious gift to fuse melody, harmonies, and rhythm that augment the meaning of our words—sometimes even supersede the necessity of words—as we express our praise, gratitude, devotion and love to God.
But what if we can’t sing or play an instrument? What then?
Meet Antonio, a lover of music who lived long ago. Imagine his bitter disappointment as he grew from boyhood to youth and realized he would never sing or play an instrument well.
But a wise friend told him, “There are many ways to make music. What matters is the song in the heart.” That friend happened to be a violin-maker. And because of his influence, Antonio was encouraged to become a violin-maker himself. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. Antonio Stradivarius?
We would all do well to remember his friend’s wise words:
What matters is the song in our hearts.
“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians 5:19-20)
The power of our songs is to touch God’s heart.
(Art & photo credits: www.dreamstime.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.cards.ccojubilee.org; http://www.etsy.com; http://www.christianitymalaysia.com; www,denisehighes.com.)
From the Inside Out 