Have you ever heard anyone say that they hated music? Not a certain type of music, but all music? I don’t think I have, although there are people out there who do not derive any pleasure from it, the numbers of people who have no connection to music is far outweighed by those that do. For so many, music is the thing that moves and touches our inner most being. Music can be the escape we need, a song can soothe a soul, a note can take us back in time to a place so real we can feel and taste it. Music is a powerful thing.
When we hear music, it increases blood flow to the limbic system and causes it to light up, so to speak. This system is heavily involved in the processing of emotions and controlling of memory so when one hears music, it is connected to more than just the pleasant sound we hear; it’s literally tied to our subconscious in ways that are spiritual. I would find it safe to say that because music connects to such a deep and spiritual aspect of a person, it is a gift given to mankind by God. Since God wants His people to sing to Him, I believe He gifted us the ability to create music so we can glorify Him, put His Word on our hearts and minds, and feel an immediate, spiritual connection to Him in this manner specifically.
Philippians 3:12-16 inspired the hymn ‘Higher Ground’ and it has been going through my head over and over again this week. Through this spiritual connection, I have remained close to God and in turn been strengthened in my mind and heart. My challenge for you this week is to take the time to deliberately connect to God through song. I believe one who does this will find the burden lifted, the joy expressed, the weakness become strength, and most importantly, the spiritual connection that helps keep one pressing on the upward way.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:12-16
