It is not possible to overemphasize the importance of music. Music is a universal language. It creates ambiance, unites people, helps us focus and express our emotions, and is pleasurable.
Music is important in every aspect of life, but as Christians, it is important to understand the importance of music in worship.
1. Music teaches us about God
I remember when I was writing religious studies at the GCE ordinary level. One of the questions was to recount the story of the birth of Samuel.
I was able to remember certain details through a song we sang in church as children.
The melody and phrasing hymns and spiritual songs makes our faith memorable.
Before we hear a word of scripture read or preached in the service, we’ve already taken in page after page through our singing.
Hymns and other genres of Christian music instruct us in the God’s word, affecting our hearts as well as our minds.
2. Music connects us to God in unique ways
The purpose of Christian Songs goes beyond mere instruction. It allows for a direct connection with God in ways sermons can’t or don’t.
Singing allows a part of our hearts to speak to God in a way that doesn’t happen as we hear the spoken word.
Have you ever noticed? When we sing, something incredible happens. You can feel it when you sing alone, but most especially when you sing as part of a community, a congregation in worship.
Something awakens not only in the heart of each person but also in the collective heart of the body of Christ, connecting us to each other and to God in the deepest part of who we are.
Singing as a part of Christian worship is not just a mental exercise.
God created us to communicate with the very depths of our spirit, and singing is a way we can accomplish this in a profound and meaningful way.
3. Music allows us to express our love to God with our whole being
In the New Testament, when the lawyer asked Jesus about the greatest command, Jesus responded by pointing back to Deuteronomy 6:5, saying,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
One way through which we express our love for God with our whole being is through singing. When we sing, we engage our hearts, souls and minds in worship of God.
Worship through music transforms us. It changes us. It turns our hearts to God in a way which other forms of worship can’t accomplish.
Worship strengthens us, convicts us, builds us up, and even restores us. When we sing and devote our entire selves to God, something godly happens in us.
4. Music as worship fulfils God’s command
Throughout scripture, we’re commanded to sing. In the book of Psalms, we read:
“I… go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,” (Psalm 26:6-7);
“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:2) and
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!” (Psalm 98:5).
God calls us to sing praise to the Lord and to sing in his presence. Paul, speaking in Ephesus, urges them the Christians there to
“… be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” Ephesians 5:18-20
5. Music connects us to God in unique ways
Music allows for a direct connection with God in ways sermons can’t or don’t. Singing allows a part of our hearts to speak to God in a way that doesn’t happen as we hear the spoken word.
Have you ever noticed? Something incredible happens when we sing as a congregation. You can feel it when you sing alone, but most especially when you sing as part of a community, a congregation in worship.
Something awakens not only in the heart of each person but also in the collective heart of the body of Christ, connecting us to each other and to God in the deepest part of who we are.
Singing as a part of Christian worship is so much more than mere mental exercise. God created us to communicate with the very depths of our spirit, and singing is a way we can accomplish this in a profound and meaningful way.
Conclusion
Singing is an important part of who we are and who God created us to be. As Christians, we are called to:
“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him — his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:4-5
We are all unique. We have varying like and dislikes, varying musical preferences. Scripture encourages us to find the music that allows our hearts to sing and connect with God.
Some people prefer African songs by the Harmonious chorale, others, Chris Tomlin songs. Some prefer melodious songs by Maverick city music and others, classical Hymns of the faith.
Whichever genre we prefer, music that is pleasing in God’s sight will cause our hearts to sing. When our hearts sing, true worship happens (worship in spirit and in truth). We’re inwardly transformed as the Holy Spirit fills us and we can devote our entire beings to worship, praise, and thanksgiving to our heavenly Father.
Have you been blessed in a special way by worshipping God through music? I’d love to hear about it!
Here are some articles I would recommend you checkout. Seven Biblical Reasons Why Singing Matters | Unlocking the Bible – What Does The Bible Say About Singing? (bestofchristianity.com) – 4 Purposes of Music in Worship – The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida (cfdiocese.org)
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