Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…
One of my favorite songs is “Sing.” One line says, “Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear—just sing, sing a song.” I love that.
God created music, and it can be a powerful tool. Biblical examples prove this to be true.
Music soothed the soul. When a bad spirit came upon Saul, David played his harp (1 Samuel 16:23). Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed.
Music inspired. When Jehoshaphat was going into battle, he appointed singers unto the Lord. As they went out before the army, they sang, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).
Music taught God’s Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).
Music released the power of God. Paul and Silas found this out when they were in jail. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, and the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s shackles were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).
Music etched the mighty power of God into memories. In Exodus 15:1, Moses sang a song of praise to God for deliverance from Pharaoh. “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord: I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously…” It’s quite long so I won’t quote all of it here. Some say this song of Moses is the oldest recorded song in the world.
Songs were used throughout biblical times to express joy, triumph, grief, relief, celebration, thanks, praise, and so on. Matthew 26:30 tells us that when the Last Supper had ended Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn before leaving. What a powerful image!
When I’m feeling low I start singing praises to God. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I get the focus off myself and onto God. Some people don’t enjoy singing. I get that. I don’t always have a song in my heart either. That’s when I start reading the Psalms which are actually sacred songs meant to be sung. As I read them, I think about God adding His own tune.
Man tries to pollute and degrade what God has created. Music is no exception. But God created music and it is good. It is one way we can praise, worship, and glorify Him.
*****
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
