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Introduction
Music as a therapy is talking about the ability of music to heal, release or soothe pain and disease in an individual.
When we talk about holistic, it draws attention to the total composition of that effective music has on the health and well-being of a person or community.
In our worship, healing and deliverance take place to bring the body into soundness - physically and spiritually. Music has always been a major component in our worship life - individual or fellowship. Let me emphasize that, worship of God is not just the time we spend in church but our total lifestyle is worship to our God.
Through music, our spirit is lifted up to heavenly realms and is filled with the joy and glory of God. There are many instances in the Bible where music served in many ways.
Just after crossing the Red Sea, the people of Israel, led by Moses, burst into a spontaneous praise and adoration service of God with music. (Ex. 15:1ff.).
After the national festival of praise, Miriam also led the women in singing their own version of praise unto God. (Ex. 15: 20-21).
Records indicate that, after the Red Sea experience, music appeared to have been incorporated into the worship life of the people of Israel.
The psalms are clear evidence of that. There are therefore psalms of praise from Moses’ time right into the days of the exile of the people of Israel.
As one can see from the psalms, there are different psalms for practically every occasion or situation in human life.
One thing the Israelites learned about true worship is that it brought God down into the fellowship of His people with evidence of holistic healing, provision, victory, etc were experienced.
God indicated to them that it is not about their sacrifices saying, “The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. Isaiah 1:11 (NIV)
God invited them to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalms 100:4-5 (NIV)
For, David in Ps. 22: 3, states that "Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises." Psalms 22:3 (NIV)
However, one major demonstration of the therapeutic/healing nature of music was seen in the life of king Saul.
When Saul was being tortured by demonic spirits, "Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”" 1 Samuel 16:15-16 (NIV).
That was how David found himself in the house of king Saul. And David didn’t disappoint those who recommended him for "Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." 1 Samuel 16:23 (NIV).
I have personally had practical experiences with worship in songs, people receive healing and deliverance. Also, the power of music to keep work done with ease no matter how hard it may seem to be.
Music brings healing to broken hearts, comfort to the bereaved, hope to the despair, and draws humanity to the Creator. So we realize that music has a lot of benefits for all types of people and occasions.
As the Hebrews entered the land of Canaan, their first major war victory was achieved through music in the city of Jericho. (Joshua 6: 15ff.).
At another critical moment in the life of Israel, a major national victory was achieved through music. (2 Chron. 20: 20ff.).
As Jesus prepared to go to the cross, which was a critical moment in His life, just before His arrest, He, together with His disciples, spent some time singing some songs, before going to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. (Matt. 26: 30).
When Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi, their source of strength and encouragement was music,(Acts 16: 16ff.).
The songs they rendered, caused an earthquake, which shook the very foundation of the prison yards. As such, James encourages all believers in whatever situation we find ourselves in, to sing songs/hymns of praise. (James 5: 13).
Music brings us the understanding of the power of God. Carefully listening to Christ-centered music draws our minds and hearts to God's power, provision, love and thereby increasing our faith in Him.
Take time to listen to traditional songs from South Africa. You will realize the passion they bear to strengthen and keep them moving on. Such songs came from their struggle through apartheid.
History has it that, the slaves from Africa to the European countries were held together through their songs.
Conclusion
John tells us that the most important thing which goes on in Heaven is singing. One can count at least ten hymns/songs in John’s account in the book of Revelation, which is an indication that in Heaven, music has a major part to play. Thank God music plays a major role in our worship services.
Let’s take James’ call seriously and sing even when our spirits are down.
Rev. K. D. Ansong PhD.
Shalom aleichem...
