Music is Good for the Soul
Scripture:
1: Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2: Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.
3: Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96 (NIV)
What is it about music that so deeply impacts the human soul? It has been said that “music has charms to soothe a savage beast,” and we can find witness of that in history and scripture. A prime example is Saul. “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 NIV).
Thomas Edison knew it. In 1921, he published a 32-page booklet entitled Mood Music, in which the psychological effects of music were examined. Mr. Edison’s comments followed: “Music,” he told an interviewer, “is capable of releasing in every mind thoughts which literature evokes in only the most erudite minds. Next to religion, it is man’s greatest solace and is also his greatest inspiration. What I want to see in every American home is music, so realistic, and so perfect in its rendition, as to be an underlying source of benefit and pleasure.” (Excerpted from Discography of American Historical Recordings)
Since the beginning of time, music has been a powerful means of communication, setting moods, and calming the mind. Most of you learned your alphabet by singing it. Songs that were learned in childhood are still remembered all these years later. Certain songs bring back specific memories. You remember exactly where you were and what you were doing as soon as the first note is heard. Music tells stories. Music shares history. Music makes statements. It has a profound impact on the human soul, evoking strong emotional responses. Music is a gift from God, and it is good for the soul.
That’s what the author of Psalm 96 intended when he invited us to sing a new song to the Lord. It is a call to worship, an invocation to offer praise to the God who saves. And we should continually have a new song of praise to God for His many blessings in and over our lives. Janet Jackson asked in song, “What have you done for me lately?” When asked of God, the answer is everything! That’s why you can continually sing a new song unto the Lord. A song of thanksgiving for His protection. A song of joy for keeping your minds. A song of glory for His provision. A song of gratitude for waking you up this morning. A song of amazement for His love. A song of awe and wonder for the glory of His creation. A song of worship for who He is.
Music is frequently cited for its positive impact on mental health, offering solace, expression, and a sense of connection. It has the ability to soothe, inspire, and even act as a form of therapy. Victor Hugo said, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and on which it is impossible to be silent.” For the Christian, music is more than something which makes you feel good. It is more than a tune to dance to or make you clap your hands and stomp your feet. Music, whether or not labeled “gospel,” is an expression of love and thanksgiving to God. Today, and every day, be intentional about singing a new song to the Lord. It will help you to enter into His presence, and you’ll leave better for having spent time with Him. It truly is good for the soul.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of music. In all its various forms, it has given Your people a way to express themselves when words alone were not enough. Music allows us to share our history, communicate our knowledge, and most importantly, honor and worship You. Thank You for putting songs in our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection:
Music is the art of the prophets and the gift of God. – Martin Luther