By Crystal McDowell –
Music permeates every culture in diversity, expression, and experience. It can serve a godly purpose or encourage evil behavior. Most churches use music as a part of their worship together as a way of uniting the congregation in praising God. The 7 Bible facts about music gives us insight into its effect:
- Music is ministry that ushers in the presence of God
“Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: ‘He is good; His love endures forever.’ (2 Chronicles 5:13).
David established the temple musicians in order to lead the people in worship to God. He was distinctive in his commitment to express himself to God in the song and dance. When Solomon finished the temple, the united voices and music of the Levites resulted in the glory of the Lord filling the temple.
- Music can be inspired from the Spirit of God
“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from 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).
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the Holy Spirit who resides within us. Through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can find ourselves drawn into bursts of songs from our hearts. In days of hardship, believers will sense the hymns and songs from God to help move them forward and bring comfort.
- Music can be used for evil purposes
“Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good” (Daniel 3:15).
King Nebuchadnezzar used music as a signal for all the people in his nation to fall down and worship a golden statue. Music can be intoxicating and serve the purpose of worshipping the world, the flesh, or Satan. We must be careful to examine the music we entertain ourselves with to be sure we aren’t stunting our spiritual growth.
- Music is an affront to God when hypocrisy is in the heart
“Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps” (Amos 5:23).
Many people are gifted with musical talents in the song and instruments. However, just because someone can sing doesn’t mean that their songs are bringing glory to God. The Lord rejects music sung from those whose hearts reject Him and His word. A musician with a pure heart but mediocre talent brings more glory to God than a highly gifted musician filled with hypocrisy.
- Music can drive away demons
“Whenever the spirit from God 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” (1 Samuel 16:23).
Because the Spirit of the Lord was upon David, his music would usher in peace from God and the evil spirit tormenting Saul would have to leave. Demons cannot take the presence of God in their midst—they must flee. As we sing with joyfulness and celebrating God’s goodness—captives of Satan’s strongholds can be free.
- Music is an immediate response that flows out of thankful hearts
“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea’ (Exodus 15:20-21).
When we experience an awesome deliverance at the hand of God—praising Him in the song and dance is the right response. Our united songs and instrumental praise lifts up God’s name and brings Him much glory. Believers enjoy a closer kinship of singing and praising God together in the song.
- Music is a sacrifice of worship from those delivered out of the hands of their enemies
“Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6).
Many times our enemies think that they have us trapped in a corner; however, the mighty hand of God delivers us out of all our troubles. When we’ve experienced the true freedom from the power of sin and death—we can sing songs of praise and make music to the One who delivers His people.
- Music makes a Difference
When we have times of uncertainty or fear is overwhelming our hearts—we can sing or play spiritual songs to get our minds on the right track. Music has the power to help us grow in our faith when the words and melodies are directed towards God. Great encouragement and strengthened faith are available to us in godly music.
Article by Crystal McDowell
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.
Reblogged this on JC Mantey Music.
This write up should be a go to place for every worshipper; the summary of everything said here should be a desired landing page for the pasture of our hearts in worship, the motive of our worship, the compass to direct our actions and songs.
@Mark Cole, a big God bless you for putting this together!
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Not to be overlooked about music of praise, especially in words of scripture; I have learned more
of scripture from singing the words than just memorizing verses!
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet”
davids musicians were full time musicians ; free from other duties.
I love this part of scripture.
you can bet that they were good.