Second Chronicles 7:6
The priests stood at their posts; the Levites also, with the instruments for music to the Lord that King David had made for giving thanks to the Lord—for his steadfast love endures forever—whenever David offered praises by their ministry; opposite them the priests sounded trumpets, and all Israel stood.
Music and Worshiping God
There is something special about music.
When it is worship music, it reaches down into our innermost being and
changes our hearts, at least it should if it’s biblically sound and
theologically grounded. The best worship songs and those which have the
greatest chance of changing the way a person lives are ones that contain
words from Scripture. We know that the Word of God has power (Rom.
1:16) and never goes out without having at least some effect on people
(Isaiah 55:11). God guarantees His Word will go out with power and
effectiveness and change the listener. Whether or not it changes the
person on a permanent basis, or in other words whether it changes the
way a person lives, is up to the individual. God and His Word never
change, but we have need of change. The Word both changes us and serves
to sanctify us (John 17:17) and washes us (Eph. 5:26). Sanctification is
the process where we become more and more holy and more like Christ,
although, of course, we never reach perfection in this life. It takes a
lot of time–a lifetime, in fact.
Music Changes Us
We have already seen that the Word
changes us, and we are commanded to be holy, as God is holy (Matt. 5:48;
1 Pet. 1:16). Knowing God changes us by His Word. We also know that
when worship songs have Scripture, it can also change us. When we listen
to good, accurate worship music, it should change us. For me, it makes
me fall down on my face and worship God, often bringing me to tears. I
think God loves that. When He sees us broken and contrite in spirit, He
is nearer to us, and these are a sacrifice to God (Psalm 51:17; Isaiah
66:2). The word “contrite” actually means “crushed, crippled” or
“broken.” God cannot fix us until we are first broken, anyway. For some
reason, worship music makes me break down and weep and confess my sins
and humbles me before the Mighty God. Worship music also makes me see
just how far short I am from God’s holiness (Rom. 3:26). God says He
does not change (Mal. 3:6), but I have much need of change. Good worship
music can do just that.
The Words Over the Music
I’ve heard a lot of worship music, and
when it seems to drown out the words or I can’t even hear scriptural
references, then I think I’m wasting my time. Songs might have an
impressive drum set, a great electrical guitar, and a fantastic light
show, but if it’s all pomp and circumstance to simply entertain me, then
it’s not for me. I need substance over glitter. I need theology over
appearance. When I hear something inspirational and it’s great, then my
question is, does it change the way I live? How about you?
A Closing Prayer
Father God, You are worthy to be
worshiped. Please help me to change and use worship music to help me
live a life reflective of my calling in Christ so that I might be
changed from the inside out. In Jesus’ most glorious name I pray.
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