Ephesians 5:18-19
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, (NIV)

Very few would deny the power that comes over them as they listen and sing to songs that move them. We employ music in romance, exercise, and competition. Whether it’s Barry White or Whitesnake playing, the power of music is undeniable. Though we are aware of this power, we do not understand God’s intention for music and song.

We cannot forget that Lucifer had a strong connection with music. Some theologians believe he led worship in Heaven. Here is a description of the devil from Scripture:

Ezekiel 28:13
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The sardius, topaz, and diamond,
Beryl, onyx, and jasper,
Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.
The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes
Was prepared for you on the day you were created. (NKJV)

Satan was covered in every precious stone, and this passage suggests he was talented in music with timbrels (drums/tambourine/etc.) and pipes (instruments). This passage goes on to say he was perfect in his ways. This is not clear, but considering worship never stops in Heaven, and Lucifer was great enough to influence a third of the angels to rebel with him against God, it is very possible that he was also the chief musician. The point is that music has been given to us by God for a purpose, and Satan uses the gift while perverting its purpose.

We get an adrenaline rush at sports events as they play songs that move our feet and pump our hearts. But what is God’s purpose for music?

God has given us music to worship, but we can worship without music, so there must be another reason we are commanded so often to sing to the Lord.

We have already established that music moves us deeply. God intends for us to use music to move us in the right direction. David speaks of singing in the psalms to get him through the dark times.

To truly sing a song as it has been written, we are forced to express emotion and meditate on lyrics. Singing is an instrument to pull us out of anguish and despair. Singing restores hope and joy. Sing to the Lord and remember His goodness to you.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to sing to You with passion and spirituality using the instrument You have given me to rescue my dark nights with hope and joy. Amen.