Spirit and Music
People in the old testament often wrote about how they sang and praised God and told of His love for them with music rhythms and instruments. It was not enough to just say the words. They had to have melody and dance to express how much they loved and were blessed by God. This was even before they knew of the love of God to be expressed through Christ and His teachings. Music coupled with words and often movement touches deep chords within us. In this way our whole being is raised to a higher plane in trying to express our inner feelings. Let’s see if we can find out why this is. First some references:
Zep 3:17 (KJV) The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Isa_44:23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
Isa_49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
Isa_51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Psa_69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psa_95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Psa_95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psa_96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Psa_98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Psa_98:6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
Psa_108:1 A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Psa_118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
God Himself gave us the example of music and singing to express deep emotion about us. Through-out scripture we are also encouraged to praise God in song. Music touches our spirit even more than just speaking. Songs were used to aid memory when retelling history by early peoples. Music, in itself, motivates feelings with rhythms and volumes that stir feelings of emotion that add to the depth of the words. Thus, I think, music touches the spirit in addition to word messages that move the mind. In this way our whole being is united in a common goal as we focus entirely on God, our benevolent creator, as He also is able to speak to us Spirit to Spirit. Unity at last is complete.