Thursday, January 21, 2010

Got Music?



“Sing unto Him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.”  --Psalm 33:3

Do you ever feel like there is something missing in your life?  Or maybe you’ve felt really stressed out and you’re not sure why.  Could it be that you need to add some music to your life?  It has been said that music can soothe the savage beast.  In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, the Bible relates an incident in which King Saul was greatly troubled, but was soothed when David played the harp for him.  Studies have shown that music, and especially singing or playing an instrument, can, indeed, help relieve stress.  Singing or playing an instrument increases oxygen intake and exercises your lungs and heart, and if you sing or play with others, it can create a sense of unity and belonging.

Music also helps with learning.  People who have learned to read music and play an instrument usually score higher in math and science.  And we can often remember something more easily when it has been put to music or song.  It's not just for children.  Hundreds of years ago when most people couldn’t read, Scripture was put to music in the form of hymns like “A Mighty Fortress” to help an illiterate congregation learn.  Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head?  Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  It doesn’t say anything about having a good voice.  So, what are you waiting for?  Sing and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!




1 comment:

  1. Thank you, Rene, for another wonderful blog entry. You have totally mastered the sense of sight with your beautiful photography, and are also engaging the sense of hearing... and of making music. I loved the picture of the flute valves... it reminded me of the fact that music is a combination of various notes... but also of beats and measures as those valves are actuated. Was the smiling 'face' intentional? It must have been. Music lights the soul, and brings joy, through tears, or lovely 'silver' smiles... like your photo. Actually, I think you should name that photo "Silver Smiles".
    Hugs, George

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