GOD GIVES US MUSIC
“Make music from your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19
Try to think of all the times in your day you hear music. Nearly every television program and ad includes music. And we often hear someone close to us singing, humming, or whistling a tune. Music is all around us.
Music was important to people in the Bible too. They used music for many reasons. David played his harp to calm King Saul. Miriam sang about their trip from Egypt. Jesus talked about children playing their flutes. There were hundreds of singers and instrumentalists to dedicate the temple. The Bible names over twelve types of instruments. Mary sang after she learned she would be the mother of Jesus. The book of Psalms is made up of hymns the people sang in their worship services.
Why did God give us the blessing of music? Music can sooth us and cover over the cares we have. Music gives us a chance to express our inmost feelings and share them with those around us. It even gives us a way to share the love of Jesus with others. Sometimes we sing hymns and Bible songs in church and at home to express what we believe. Sometimes we sing hymns and church songs to pray, like “Jesus, tender Shepherd hear me, bless your little lamb tonight.” Sometimes we use hymns to make beautiful praise to God, like “Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creation.”
We often don’t take time to consider what a wonderful blessing we have in all the different types of music and the many ways we can express them. We should learn to make use of this wonderful blessing. We can sing hymns, hum them in our prayers, and shout them in church. We can share Jesus with those around us through our songs, and we can use it to show the wonders of God’s creation. The Bible clearly tells us: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of creation.
O my soul, praise Him for He is your health and salvation.
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near.
Praise Him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him.
All that has life and breath come now with praises before Him.
Let the ‘amen’ sound from His people again;
Gladly forever adore Him.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer