When I was planning to write on music, I knew I had to have a post on feelings. Feelings and music, specifically worship music, is a highly debated subject. Feelings and emotions are very powerful. They can either help or damage your time in worship. It is important to keep them in check.

Worship from the Heart

You hypocrites (play-actors, pretenders), rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said, ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. ‘But in vain do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the precepts of men.’ ” Matthew 15:7-9

Far too often, feelings are believed to be faith. Too many people determine their faith based on how they feel. On the other side of that are those who do not think feeling should be anywhere close to worship. I do not believe that is right either. We are not emotionless and feelingless robots. God gave us emotions and feelings, worship should make us feel something, but our worship should drive our feelings, not the other way around. There is a middle ground where we can enjoy the emotions of worship without allowing them to cloud our vision. We should not chase the emotional highs that we may have once experienced. Each time you worship is different. Your season of life is different and your knowledge of God may also be different. The goal of worship is not chasing an experience. The goal of worship is not,  “Did this song make me feel something?” but, “What did this song make me remember about God?”. To use the language of Matthew 15, worship cannot be done just through the lips, it must be done through the heart. True worship is not merely about feelings, but about what is in the deepest corners of your heart.

Feelings in Their Place

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:2

As I have said a number of times already in this series, music has great power. Music can sway our feelings. I believe Romans 12:2 speaks right to this. We must not be changed by the music we listen to. Remain in control of your feelings instead of handing those reins over. Music may convey sadness, but do not let it lead you into sinful sadness. It may convey happiness, but do not let it take your eyes off the One who brings the blessings. We must be transformed by God’s Word, not by the feelings music conveys. Keep God, and by extension the Bible, firmly as your source of change. You can still listen to music as you wish, but with discernment to not be transformed.

Truth When Feelings Fail

For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Often times the best songs you can listen to are those that remind you of gospel truths when you find them hard to believe. Earlier this year, I heard a sermon about worst case scenarios. Its message was about how God is with you even in the worst case scenarios. That sermon and a song with a similar message met me in a place where I needed to hear that. Faith goes beyond feelings, your music should reflect that. Let your music remind you of vital gospel truths, even in the depths of your faith. As the sermon reminded me, no matter the emotional depth, God is with you. In your deepest sadness and longing, God is with you working all things for good. Listen to music that constantly reminds you of who God is and what He is doing.