Our third topic in the study of this faith family foundation comes to us in the form and subject of music. The bible is full of references to Music…a few to meditate on…
Psalm 104:33
“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”
“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”
Psalm 95:1
“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”
“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
James 5:13
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”
Psalm 71:23
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.”
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.”
Psalm 100:1-5
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness!
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us,
and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
I can go back a long time in my life and connect music to a great deal of moments. A certain song will come on the radio or I’ll walk into a store and music will be playing, in a short second it takes me back to a memory of a time in my life…I think as you read this you can reminisce of a time in your own life, as well.
Music and worship have gone hand in hand almost from the beginning; in fact, the first mention of a musical instrument is in Genesis, Chapter 4:21. Jubal was given credit for playing the harp, and we see that the bible is full of the references, King David was well known for his musical talent, too, and don’t forget Moses. The Bible’s own song book is the Psalms.
As you read various passages, it’s almost like music ignites something in our souls. One of God’s greatest joys is watching his people lift their thoughts in praise, making a joyful noise!! All of it is tied to life. Certain songs or types of music can move something very strong in our hearts.
Music can be very a very powerful instrument in our faith walk. In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul reminded the congregation to,
“let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16).
I so love that statement, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, using music… I think there is some wisdom for us to chew on a bit….or hum to, or whistle. Can our hearts be open to allow the word of Christ to be sung there? Can we see how God talks with us through the melodies, the words….the singing?
Praise be to God, AMEN.
