Ephesians 5:19-20
One afternoon my grandson’s kitty was watching him rehearse on his saxophone. Finished with practice, Zac sat down on the stairs, holding his sax in his lap. His kitty climbed up on his knee and looked down into the bell of the saxophone, as if trying to find out where all that music had come from. It made a great picture and continues to be one of my favorites in my album.
The problem with life is; there is no music. In movies, we know when the bad or good parts are coming because of the music. Life can change fast and have little notice. Unexpected illness, financial setbacks, relationship problems; LIFE happens; all without any music to warn us.
We were created for relationship with God; Satan knows that and does all he can to distract us, frustrate and cause pain. Music, though it doesn’t accompany the drama of life, is one of the ways God has given us to calm our angst and bring us into His presence.
Paul and Silas sang hymns in jail. The prisoners around them heard their songs. It was in the midst of their hymns and prayers that God literally loosed them from their chains. (Acts 16:25-26) There may be strength to be found in song. Jesus sang a hymn with the disciples at the table before they went to the Mt. of Olives where the son of God was betrayed. (Matthew 26:29-30)
Music is an important part of worship. When we join together in one accord to worship; that intimacy invites God’s presence. (2 Chronicles 5:13-14) In the Old Testament Psalms many Hebrew words that described specific kinds of “praise” were translated simply as “praise.”
From barach that means to bless on bended knee, through halal which means to shout out in a loud voice, to zamar which means to sing praise accompanied by instruments; the intent was to worship with enthusiasm. True worship involves all of the heart, body and emotions.
Praise does not bribe God; praise brings an intimate awareness of His presence. When we recognize God in that intimate depth of “knowing,” we begin to realize how astonishing His love for us is. He, who created the universe, calls the stars by name and rides on the wings of the wind, loves “me.”
As singing matures into the intimacy of worship, burdens are lifted and encouragement is poured out. Only within that intimacy, borne through praise, can we know who God really is.
The next time there is upheaval in your life and satan whispers, “So, where is your God NOW?” Lift your voice in the joyful triumph of praise and let the song of your heart proclaim, “He is HERE.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, send me your Holy Spirit so that I may know you intimately. Give me a desire for your Word that will surpass my desire for the things of the world. Show me how to plan my activities and time so that I always have time set aside to worship you and read your Word. Thank you for loving me and thank you for your Holy Spirit.
Scripture References:
Acts 16:25-26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.
Matthew 26:29-30 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14 The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
“He is good; his love endures forever.”
Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.
- In loving memory of Fuzzy, my grandson’s kitty, who went to live in heaven in March 2012