Psalm 66:1
“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:”
Music is one of those areas in Christianity that always seems to be a bit controversial. I don’t believe it has to be that way because the Scriptures are very clear what music is right and wrong. You don’t have to be a music expert to understand good music for God wrote the Scriptures in such a manner that anyone can understand to what type of music He wants His children to listen.
Throughout the years, music has gone back and forth as to what is considered good music. I remember as a young man listening to music that was more upbeat in many churches. Then I saw a swing where the music went to a sound that was very slow, and may I say, boring. Now, I have watched music in our churches swing back to a sound that is not upbeat, but is flat out worldly. When it comes to the sound of music, I believe God gives us some guidelines as to what it should sound like.
First, music should be joyful. God says, “Make a joyful noise…” Christian music should not sound like you are mourning someone’s death; rather, it should sound as if we are celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Christians are on the winning side, and our music should sound like we are. When you listen to your music, it should bring the joy of the LORD into your heart.
Second, music should honor God’s name. Verse 2 says, “Sing forth the honour of his name…” Music should not be about people, but it should be about God. Music should not be sung to bring honor to the musician, but it should be sung to bring honor to God. If music is sung and it doesn’t cause you to walk away with a greater estimation of God, then you are listening to the wrong music. Music should not cause your thoughts to think of a music group, but it should cause your thoughts to think of God.
Third, music should be respectful of God’s works. Verse 3 says, “Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works!” The word “terrible” brings a meaning of being respectful or reverential. Music should never cause your thoughts to think of the greatness of man, but it should cause you to think of the greatness of God. One of the reasons much of the modern music is not right is because it talks more about the feelings of the author than it does the works of God. We are not to sing about man, but we are to sing about God and His works.
Fourth, music should reveal God’s power. Verse 3 continues to say, “…through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.” Christian music should remind us of the power of God. When you sing, “All Hail the Power of Jesus name…” you are reminded of the power of God. When you sing, “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” You are again reminded of God’s power. We must be careful that the sound of our music doesn’t talk about man’s greatness, but that it reveals the power of God to those who hear it.
As you consider the music to which you listen, does it have these four elements in every song? I know this devotional in no way can deal with all of the aspects of music, but these four elements must be in the music to which you listen. I encourage you to carefully consider the music that you listen to and be sure that it sounds the way God would want. If your music has these four elements in it, then you are on the right path to having the proper sound of music.