The Power of God's Music – Sunday Thought for the Day

The following was written for March 6, 2016, “Our Daily Bread” by David McCasland.
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The Sound of Music, one of the most successful musical films ever produced, was released as a motion picture in 1965. It won many accolades, including five Academy Awards, as it captured the hearts and voices of people around the world. More than half a century later, people still attend special showings of the film where viewers come dressed as their favorite character and sing along during the performance.

Music is deeply rooted in our souls. And for followers of Jesus, it is a powerful means of encouraging each other along the journey of faith. Paul urged the believers in Colossae, “Let Christ’s teaching live in your hearts, making you rich in the true wisdom. Teach and help one another along the right road with your psalms and hymns and Christian songs, singing God’s praises with joyful hearts” (Col. 3:16 Phillips).

Singing together to the Lord embeds the message of His love in our minds and souls. It is a powerful ministry of teaching and encouragement that we share together. Whether our hearts cry out, “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (Ps. 51:10), or joyfully shout, “And he will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15), the power of music that exalts God lifts our spirits and grants us peace.

Let us sing to the Lord today.

Thank You, Lord, for Your gift of music. We sing Your praise together and learn more of Your love and power.

Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

INSIGHT:
The book of Colossians has a strong emphasis on the person and work of Christ. In his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul takes the time to celebrate who Christ is (see 1:15–20) and to encourage the believers there to imitate Him. Paul admonishes the Colossians not only to speak encouragement to one another, but also to encourage each other with music (3:16). In the early church, singing wasn’t just a celebration; it was a way to teach and learn theology. In fact, Colossians 1:15–20 is widely considered to be an ancient hymn.

READ: Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 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.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.