The Power of Music

Have you ever wondered why the world is so obsessed and enamored with music? People have their headphones in while taking the metro to school, or while waiting at the bus stop, or while on break at work. You’ll hear music blaring from a car stereo when they pull up next to you at a red light. Music is played during breaks in the action at sporting events. Musicians tend to be the most famous icons, even more so than actors and athletes. Music is at the center of our lives, no matter what race, or religion. And that’s because music is spiritual. It’s not aimed at our heads, or even our hearts. It’s directed at our souls.

Music has a pull. It’s something that almost can’t be measured into words. The harmonies and melodies in of themselves are neutral, because scales, chords and notes cannot take on a moral identity. But that fact sometimes causes us to become naive in what we listen to, because we assume it has no power. The moment that any sort music is molded and designed with a specific intention, it takes on a different form. Every lyricist and composer has intent with their music, what they want it to portray and what impact they want it to have. We don’t take this seriously enough, and therefore we allow evil to infiltrate our souls without even realizing it.

The great news is that when music is used for a godly purpose, it can have an incredible impact on those who listen to it. There is something going on in the spiritual realm when the music is being played and sung. The best example of that comes in 1 Samuel chapter 16:14 onward.

Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit tormented him. Saul’s attendants said to him, ^“Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit comes on you, and you will feel better”. So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” Whenever the spirit came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Why was music the solution to Saul’s problem? God loves to demonstrate things to His people, and this story provides us with a very powerful truth. Music not only changes our mood, but it alters what’s happening in the spiritual realm. Have you ever been feeling down, and you hear an upbeat song and it cheers you up? Have you ever been to a concert and felt so moved by a song that it brought tears to your eyes?

In the New Testament, we see instances of Paul addressing the church to sing songs of praise. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts”. (Colossians 3:16)

Note that last line: Singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Music in an outlet to express what we’re feeling. Paul was urging the church to express their thankfulness to God through songs of praise. That’s why music is such an important part of church services today. Music is highly emotional, which is why we have to very careful which emotions we invoke. I have an affection for love songs. Be it the hopeless romantic in me, but I really like those sappy love songs. What I don’t like is how they make me feel, and that’s why I’ve removed them from my music library.

We are often subject to the evil whims of this world. There are things happening around us that are out of our control. But we can absolutely control what music we soak into our spirits. We have the power to use music to either benefit our souls, or to poison them. Have you ever wondered why we gravitate towards the music that’s popular? Does it bother you that young people can sing the top-10 hits by heart, but are silent during the worship service? Satan’s most powerful tool is music. You can scoff at that notion if you want, but it’s reality, whether you want to acknowledge it or not.

Maybe you dismiss the idea because you don’t want to cleanse your iTunes account of the garbage that you enjoy listening to. Maybe you’ll use the excuse that good Christian music is too cheesy, or you don’t like the style. I have recently discovered Spotify, and with it discovered that there is a boatload of music out there, and if you want to find good songs in your favorite genre, it’s easy to find. Also keep in mind that even well-intentioned Christian music can actually have a negative message. Do the songs glorify God? Do they speak of His true nature and character?

I encourage you to explore the godly music that’s out there, because there’s a lot of it. I have been blessed and encouraged lately by certain. When I listen to a song, I want to feel empowered. I want to feel the joy of the Lord. I don’t want to feel discouraged and depressed. Music is never going away. It’s all around us. But we have the power to decide what permeates our soul.

Marcy’s current playlist:

I Can’t Believe by Elevation Worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1qBg9jtwb4

Glory to Glory by Bethel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuAjUul-iUM

Anthem of the Ages by Open Heaven. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVitt4-CA10

Risen King by River Valley Worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reqb9xWmgcc

No Wonder (Roar of the Rugged Cross) by River Valley Worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg2d4qphYdc

Here Now by Freedom Church. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzmwrhSFoXA