In a previous series, I wrote about Christian musical worship. I do not mean to repeat myself in this series, but I think the relationship between people and music is important. Music is powerful. It can swing your mood from the highest of highs to the lowest lows in the time of an intro. In this series, we will look at how music can be dangerous, but also how it can aid us in our day-to-day lives.

Music and Memories

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26

Music can become attached to times and seasons of our lives. We see this during Christmas time. You’ll hear music that reminds you of Christmases past or the feelings of being a kid and coming downstairs to a tree full of presents. It could be the middle of summer, but if you hear those Christmas songs your mind would be flooded with memories of Christmas. Over the years you have paired music to memories, perhaps subconsciously. Over time, those songs takes on deeper meaning when paired with memories. This is something we can harness for good. I can go through my playlists and remember the hardships God has brought me through. I remember times sitting in my closet, listening to songs that spoke to where I was and where God would lead me. Looking back on those times, I can use those songs to remember what God has done. The albums I’ve listened to have become markers on the map of my life. Each season of my life has albums worth of music connected to it. Each time those songs play, I am reminded of where I was and the destination God has brought me. We see that the disciples sang with Jesus after the Lord’s Supper and I imagine that every time they hear that hymn afterward, they remembered the deep pain from Good Friday, but also the great joy of Resurrection Sunday. Let music meet you in your hurting and remember what God has done each time you hear it.

Music and Testimony

“Now therefore write this song and teach it to the people of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the people of Israel.”Deuteronomy 31:19

“And when many evils and troubles have come upon them, this song shall confront them as a witness (for it will live unforgotten in the mouths of their offspring).” Deuteronomy 31:21

As I said in the last section, I can listen to certain songs and look back on what God has done. I think back to the last time I led worship alongside my greatest spiritual mentor, and the song we sang together. I can think back to the song I listened to when I doubted God could change my circumstances. I think on the songs I have listened to all those times when I couldn’t see His hands at work. I look back on those sad or difficult times, not focusing on the bad parts but on what God was working through them. Those images are etched into my head, each connected to a specific song. We see a similar use of music in Deuteronomy. God tells Moses to write and teach a song to the people of Israel, for the purpose of weathering the storm when their faith inevitably fails them and they turn to other gods. God uses this song as a witness to the Israelites. Now, God does not verbally tell artists to write songs for specific people, but He has given the ability to write songs that can serve as a witness to those who need them. These songs can remind the hurting and the heartbroken that God is with them and for them.

Music and Reflection

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Psalm 105:1-2

We see songs used to remember God and His provision, and we see the same purpose in the Psalms. Psalms is the songbook in the Bible, and it is full of songs to remind. The psalmists knew the power of songs. The songs weren’t just for entertainment; they also reminded the people about God’s greatness and the truths of the gospel. Music can be for our entertainment, but treating it as nothing more than entertainment means you are missing out on the full value of God’s gift. David knew this because he saw it firsthand while playing for Saul to ease his mind. Maybe you are not facing the same mental anguish that Saul faced, but when you come upon hard times, you can use music for more than entertainment. You can use it remember the great things God has done and what He has promised to do.