09 Feb The Power of Music and Worship
In this article, based on chapter 26 in my book Free Your Mind, we will explore the encouraging truth that as we sing songs of worship to God, we not only praise Him, but we also experience joy, happiness, and peace of mind! In Colossians 3:16, Paul writes,
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
God has given us worship as a powerful way to make our hearts and thankfulness come alive. If your gratitude is running dry, try spending some time worshiping the Lord in song. Worshiping God through music is one of the happiest experiences we can have in this life. Why?Because singing and music have a unique power to root the truths of God into our minds and hearts, and to bring them to full bloom! When I am down, worried, and frustrated, if I go to church and fully give my heart and mind to our worship songs, my mindset and mood are positively transformed. Paul touches on this beautiful mystery in his letter to the Ephesians:
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”(Eph. 5:18-20)
This passage reveals a profound truth: We first need to receive the Holy Spirit, but then we need to allow him to fill us! How do we do that? Here Paul, by the wisdom and inspiration of the Spirit, tells us a powerful way to invite the Spirit’s filling: Sing! Make music with your voice and your heart!
Music prompts an amazing power to work within us. It moves our minds and stirs our souls, reminding us that God is God. Music helps us to stand in awe of His love, greatness, and majesty. Music also fills us with the Holy Spirit and unites us with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
David, the man after the heart of God, encourages us to rejoice and sing as he did:
“Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.“ (Psalm 32:11)
As we sing and worship God, we can also clap, shout, and dance!
“Clap your hands, all you nations, shout to God with cries of Joy.” (Psalm 47:1)
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” (Psalm 30:11)
Worship brings us joy and gladness. Joy is certainly great, but gladness is joy intensified. If joy is smiling and grinning, then gladness is breaking out and laughing! As disciples of Christ, we need to smile and laugh as we worship God—and music can help take us there!
As wonderful as it is to worship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, our worship isn’t limited only to church services—we can worship God even when we are alone. I often play spiritual songs when I am driving around town or working around the house, and as I listen, sometimes humming and singing along, my mind is set on “things above” (Colossians 3:2) and my mood is reset too.
But what about those times when we don’t feel like worshiping? Sometimes we feel down or discouraged, and we’d rather not give our hearts in song. Perhaps we even wonder if God will find our worship insincere because we don’t “feel like it.” But brothers and sisters, we need worship more than ever during our darker times! I have learned to push past negative moods and give my heart to worshiping God no matter how I am feeling moment by moment. Even if I am discouraged or depressed, God is still great, still worthy of my prayers and praise. Singing about God and to God reminds me of His power, comforts my hurting heart, and reminds me that God will see me through whatever trial I am facing. I always leave those times feeling more hopeful and faithful, and I am always glad that I pushed through my feelings.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us always praise and worship our God in music and song, bringing glory to Him and joy to our hearts.
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