Spiritual Purposes of Music
Devotional Messages - January to June 2007
Search Strings: Choir Devotions; Musician's Devotions; Scriptural Purposes of Music; Music in the Bible
©2007 Whitney V. Myers.
This material may be reproduced for not-for-sale applications. Please include the copyright attribution.
7Jan07 - Proclamation - Luke 2:15-18 - "Go Tell it on the Mountain"
"And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds." (Luke 2:15-18)
"Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.
While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night,
behold throughout the heavens there shown a holy light.
The shepherds feared and trembled, when lo! above the earth,
rang out the angel chorus that hailed the Savior's birth.
Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn."
(African-American spiritual, passed along for decades in oral tradition, compiled by John W. Work, Jr., 1907)
"With no hope of earthly freedom, probably unable even to read the Bible, this unknown slave imagined the emotions of shepherds as a powerful light from heaven shone down on them. Frightened by a power they couldn't begin to understand, they were greeted by angelic voices trumpeting the birth of a Savior. Leaving their flock, not fully understanding why they were going, these confused men went to see a baby in the most humble of surroundings. And in that place, these shepherds found understanding, knowledge, and love."
(Reference 1: Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Zondervan. 2001)
Consider: The angels told the shepherds the greatest news the world has ever heard - that a Savior has been born, Christ the Lord. The shepherds saw for themselves, and the shepherds told others. The gospel is spread by telling. How will you share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ with others?
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14Jan07 - Proclamation - Psalm 66:16 - "I Love to Tell the Story"
"Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he has done for me."
(Psalm 66:16)
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I Love To Tell The Story
A young girl who devoted her life to Sunday school work fell seriously ill at age 30.
(1) I love to tell the story Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story- Because I know 'tis true,
It satisfies my longings As nothing else can do.
CHORUS:
I love to tell the story!
'Twill be my theme in glory-
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.
(2) I love to tell the story- More wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies Of all our golden dreams;
I love to tell the story- It did so much for me,
And that is just the reason- I tell it now to Thee.
(3) I love to tell the story- 'Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story- For some have never heard
The message of salavtion From God's own holy word.
(4) I love to tell the story- For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
'Twill be the old, old story That I have loved so long.
The words are written by Katherine Hankey, London, England, 1866. Katherine organized Sunday School classes for children in London. She also influenced many of her students to become Christian workers.
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21Jan07 - Proclamation - Psalm 96:1-2
"O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
(Psalm 96:1-3, RSV)
Today, what wonders of God do you see - in your life? In your family? In your church? In your community? In creation? What will you share with others about the wonders of God that you have seen?
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28Jan07 - Proclamation - Psalm 9:1-2
"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."
(Psalm 9:1-2)
In the psalms, praise of God is a public matter (i.e., it is done in worship services). In our worship services, how does praising God witness to and encourage others?
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Reference: The NIV Study Bible, 1985, Zondervan
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The topic for the month of February will be "Prayer and Healing."
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4Feb07 - Music Therapy - 1 Samuel 16:23
"Whenever the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." -- 1 Samuel 16:23
Consider the therapeutic aspects of music. Recall times you have listened to or have sung music for soothing and comfort in times of distress. As musicians, consider - How does the music we sing or play help to bring God's comfort and healing to others?
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11Feb07 - Confession, Forgiveness, and Protection - Psalm 32:5-7
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' - and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." -- Psalm 32:5-7
Consider - How does music call you to confession? How does surrounding ourselves with songs of deliverance and praise strengthen us in times of trouble?
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18Feb07 - "More Love to Thee"
"More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: more love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart will raise.
This still its prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!"
Elizabeth Pyson Prentiss was born in Portland, Maine on October 26, 1818. She demonstrated a gift for writing prose and poetry at an early age. After completing her formal education, she took jobs teaching in Massachusetts and Virginia. She met and married Dr. George L. Prentiss, a Presbyterian minister. Although Elizabeth suffered from chronically poor health, she safely delivered three children. In 1856, a devastating epidemic swept New York, claiming the lives of two of her beloved children. During this time of deep grieving, she penned the verses to her well-known hymn, "More Love to Thee." This hymn was first published in 1869, and it quickly gained popularity and became a favorite hymn of dedication used by preachers and teachers during the religious revival of 1870. The philosophy expressed in the hymn's verses faithfully reflects that of its author. For despite her pain and discouragement, both physical and emotional, Elizabeth Prentiss found she could still experience great joy in expressing her love to God.
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Reference: "Hymns of Faith & Inspiration," Pamela J. Kennedy, Ideals Publishing Corporation, 1990
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25Feb07 - Psalm 63:6-7
"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings." -- Psalm 63:6-7
Consider - How is God helping you now with something that you are dealing with? What does it mean to you to sing in the shadow of his wings?
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4Mar07 - Psalm 33:3
"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy. " -- Psalm 33:3
Psalm 33 is a liturgy in praise of the Lord, the Soverign God of Israel (Ref. 1). Perhaps the choir leader spoke verses 1-3, the Levitical choir verses 4-16, and the people responded with the words of verses 20-22. (Try reading Psalm 33 together in three sections like this.) The reference to a new song in verse 3 suggests a time of national deleiverance, such as what Judah experienced in the time of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20) or Hezekiah (2 Kings 19).
Consider: How has God delivered you? How has he put a new song in your heart?
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Reference 1: NIV Study Bible. Zondervan. 1985
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11Mar07 - Psalm 40:1-3
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to my God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." -- Psalm 40:1-3
Here, David celebrates God's help and deliverance. God has put a new song in his mouth, and that song is music in praise of God. The new song of the delivered person is so strong that it moves others to faith, to reverence, and to trust in the Lord. Let us not think lightly of the effect of our singing and playing on others. Others will see the new song in us, and will put their trust in the Lord. It's a promise.
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15Apr07 - Praise - Psalm 149:1-5
"Hallelujah! Yes, praise the Lord! Sing him a new song. Sing his praises, all his people.
O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by drums and lyre.
For Jehovah enjoys his people; he will save the humble. Let his people rejoice in this honor. Let them sing for joy as they lie upon their beds."
Psalm 149:1-5 TLB
Let us praise God for the high honor he bestows on his people. He has given us salvation. As musicians, he has given us the privilege of praising him with our voices, musical instruments, and dance. Let us continually offer him the praise of our minds and lips, and rejoice in him at all times.
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22Apr07 - Praise - Psalm 150:1-6
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" -- Psalm 150:1-6
Three things stand out to me in this psalm. First, we are to praise God everywhere and at all times. Praise is not just for Sunday mornings and the sanctuaries of our churches. We are to praise God wherever he places us. Second - the rich diversity of musical instruments that God has given to us - wind, brass, stringed, and percussion. We are to use musical instruments creatively as well as our voices and our dancing to praise the Lord. Third, the call to worship is, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Although I look forward to the day when all will praise the Lord, it is clear that many people today do not yet praise the Lord. Thus, our music and our lives are to be a witness.
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6May07 - Sing for Joy in the Midst of Trouble - Psalm 90:14
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." -- Psalm 90:14 (NIV)
Please read Paslm 90:1-17. At first glance, this psalm may seem a bit of a downer. However, there is a nugget of joy here to consider. Verse 1 says "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." God is our refuge. The last verse, verse 17, says, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." Even though we are transient in this world, we should ask God to make our work effective and enduring. In the middle of the psalm, the verses speak of the trouble we will have during this transient life on earth. For example, verse 10 states, "The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."
This brings us to the point. First, the source of our joy is God's love. Second, we are to express our joy not only in worship and praise on Sunday mornings but also in the attitude with which we live our lives every day. Third, and here is the "take way" for us as musicians, it is important that we select, plan, play, and sing joyous music in our worship - because many are coming to our worship services with burdens and troubles, and they, as well as ourselves, need the uplifting encouragement that joyous, energetic, worshipful, God-focussed music provides.
Consider: Remember a time when you were discouraged, and how joyous worshipful music lifted you. Ask God to guide you as you choose and prepare music for worship that the music will bless God as well as others.
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13May07 - Isaiah 12:5-6
"Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel." -- Isaiah 12:5-6 (NIV)
How will you respond to the imperative to "shout aloud and sing for joy"? How will you make known to others the glorious things that God has done for you?
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20May07 - Psalm 100:1-5
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." -- Psalm 100:1-5 (KJV)
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3Jun07 - "An Old Man's Prayer"
"Now that I am old and gray,
God, do not desert me;
let me live to tell the rising generation
about your strength and power,
about your heavenly righteousness, O God.
I promise I will thank you on the lyre,
my ever-faithful God,
I will play the harp in your honour,
Holy One of Israel.
My lips shall sing for joy as I play to you,
and this soul of mine which you have redeemed.
And, all day long, my tongue
shall be talking of your righteousness.
Shame and disgrace on those
whose aim is to hurt me!"
-- Psalm 71:18,22-24 (Excerpts from "An Old Man's Prayer" - Jerusalem Bible)
Consider: How has music been an important part of your life as you have matured through the stages of aging? How will you continue to express your love for God through music - even into old age?
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11Jun07 - Colossians 3:16 - Teaching
"Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts." -- Colossians 3:16 (The Living Bible)
The early Christian church was a singing church. From the church's earliest days, singing was an important part of worship and teaching. At the time of the Colossians, Christ's teachings were transmitted orally. Thus, music was "key" in teaching the most important doctrines of the church. These doctrines were expressed in "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." Several of these early Christian hymns are preserved in Paul's letters (the Epistles). We will discuss more about this topic in another message.
Thank God for how he has used music in the early church and is still using Christian music today to teach our children and adults and all who listen, the wonderful words of life.
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17Jun07 - Ephesians 5:19-20
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." -- Ephesians 5:19-20
This passage speaks to me about the diversity of music that God enjoys. Music can be from the psalms, from new or old-familiar hymns directed to God, or from other songs that Christians compose about about God's saving acts, his divine attributes, his love for us, and our love for him. As we read recently in Psalm 150, music can be richly instrumental and/or vocal. The key in today's verse is that the music we sing and play for God, regardless of its style, is to be from the heart, and always with an attitude of thanksgiving.
Thank you, Lord, for the rich diversity of music that you have given to your church through the scriptures, through the musicians you have inspired through the centuries, and through the musicians you have inspired today.
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24Jun07 - The Hymn Jesus Sang
"When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." -- Matthew 26:30
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -- Psalm 118:24
On the night Jesus was betrayed, the Passover celebration concluded with the singing of Psalms 115-118. Yes, with only a little time remaining before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus and his disciples sang, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps 118:24).
Consider, as you face difficult challenges this week, how will you rejoice in God, be glad in him, and trust in him for deliverance and victory?
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©2007 Whitney V. Myers.
This material may be reproduced for not-for-sale applications. Please include the copyright attribution.