Monday, December 6, 2010

the power of music

Music is amazingly powerful, isn’t it? It can transport us back in time and change our moods in the blink of an eye. At least that’s how it is for me.

For instance, whenever I hear disco I think of when my wife and I first met and went dancing several times a week.

The mood? It brings a smile to my face, falling in love and having a great time doing it.

Hearing The Guess Who makes me think of sitting in a friend’s family boat on the Lake of the Ozarks as a teenager.

The mood? Nostalgic for my youth and the carefree life.

Hearing the Beatles brings a long list of memories, but mostly of my good friend Sean, who was an avid fan.

The mood? Grief, since I miss my friend dearly and the bond that we had.

Listening to Raze reminds me of my family’s weekly movie nights when my kids were little. The kids would take turns driving with me up to McDonalds or Burger King for takeout. There and back we’d crank up the music and rock out.

The mood? Sad because my kids are grown up and my role as dad is largely over.

Amy Grant whisks me back to my early days as a Christian and walking the streets of Boston for hours while on a business trip.

The mood? Excitement because of my brand new faith and the joy of exploring a city I had never been before.

Yes, music is amazingly powerful. And as I’ve discovered since becoming a Christian, God can use it to His advantage when it comes to worship and devotion.

For instance, I melt when I hear “There’s Something About That Name,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Those songs never fail to whisk me into the throne room of God.  

And then there’s the obscure song called “Indescribable,” which is a beautiful summary of our Lord’s attributes. I regularly listen to that song over and over again, filling my heart with praise for our great God.

What about you? There’s nothing wrong with listening to secular music, but do you ever fill your heart and mind with melodies that build your faith? Do you ever listen to music with doctrinally-sound lyrics and a God-fearing message?

If you don’t, please give it a try.

Being transported back to a time long ago, complete with long-forgotten memories is a wonderful thing. But being transported into the very presence of God? Oh, my friend, it doesn’t get any better than that.

“I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”1


1  Psalm 104:33

2 comments:

  1. haha, Raze! Good memories. I remember listening to Sunday Drive on our way back from Foristell while enjoying a frostie.

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  2. Wow, Sunday Drive! Haven't thought about that for a long time. Was that the name of the band or the CD, do you remember?

    Good times...good times...!

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