The Role Of Music

-January 25, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Thursday,

“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.”

(Psalm 100:2).

Singing and playing instruments is a big part of worship. Music has always been important in the Bible. David played the harp and composed many psalms; Asaph was a song leader; and many of the Levites were part of the choir.

I love to sing and I lead the singing at church and sing in our Worship Team. We sing and play hymns, and praise and worship songs. It is such a blessing. I have several hymnals at home and sing hymns all the time at home.

King Saul was a disturbed man and was given to fits of anger. When David played his harp Saul was subdued and pacified. The old expression is is certainly true, “Music calms the savage beast.” Martin Luther said, “The devil takes flight at the sound of music, just as he does at the words of theology, and for this reason the prophets always combined theology and music, the teaching of truth and the chanting of Psalms and hymns. After theology, I give the highest place and greatest honor to music.”

For us as believers, Christian music keeps us focused on Christ. The words are so powerful, encouraging, challenging, and uplifting. Many of the great classical composers were believers. J.S. Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.” Bach headed his compositions: “J.J.” Jesus Juva which means “Jesus help me.” He ended them “S.D.G.” “Soli Dei Gratia” which means “To God alone the praise.”

May godly, spiritual music hold a greater place in our churches, our homes, and our hearts. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.

As the late Lawrence Welk used to say at the end of his shows, “Keep a song in your heart.”

Dean