Sunday, July 19, 2015

Reflections on Music

Between teaching twelve music students, practicing for orchestra camp at the beginning of September, practicing to fiddle at the farmer’s market, and taking an online course on string quartets, I practically live music these days. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Music is a gift! That reminds me of a quote that I really like:

Bach gave us God's Word.
Mozart gave us God's laughter.
Beethoven gave us God's fire.
God gave us Music that we might pray without words.

As I ponder the beautiful gift of music, I often marvel. God created music in all of its perfection and grandeur, and He chose to share it with us. Can you imagine how it will be to sing in heaven with the angels? I don’t think that the most beautiful music here on earth even begins to compare!
Yet I also marvel at how, like with many other things, man has corrupted this God-created, God-given gift. Music influences people in profound ways, either for good or bad, like little else does. Be vigilant in your music selection—it can be a tool of God or a tool of the enemy of your soul!

“I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.” ~ Psalm 40:1-3

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” ~ Ephesians 5:15-21

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.” ~ Psalm 95:1

4 comments:

Emiko said...

Great post, Anna! I know, sometimes I wonder, if music here on earth can sound so beautiful, imagine what it will be like in Heaven! But like you said, one has to be careful to listen to music that benefits the soul, not negatively influences it.

Have you heard of Libera? They're a group of English choirboys, and while they do sing some secular songs, they also sing religious music. Here's the link to "How Shall I Sing that Majesty?"
https://youtu.be/mDWjb8_9KZY

Just thought you might enjoy it. :) They're so relaxing to listen to!

Mrs. V said...

Someone left me this hymn as a comment on my blog, it's become a family favorite during our hymn sing time. You quoted it.:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptX7K7irngQ

Anna said...

Thank you for your comment and what you shared, Emiko! No, I had never heard of Libera. Thank you for sharing that link with me!

Anna said...

Thank you for sharing, Mrs. V! That hymn is one of my favorites, too!