It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, on an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound. (Psalm 92:1-3)
There is a tradition recorded in Jewish literature that says David would suspend a harp above his bed at night. Overnight the north wind would blow through the strings causing the instrument to play music of its own accord. Upon hearing the sound of the harp, David would awaken and begin to sing songs of praise and meditate upon the works of God. In fact, it is believed that many of the psalms attributed to David were inspired by just such an experience. Again, this is legend but one that just might have a strand of reality within it because the Bible tells us that the creation declares God’s glory; in fact, the stars in the heavens sing to Him (Job 38:7).
That being the case, we can safely conclude that worship of God as expressed through music is inherent within the Creation. As it is written, “Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light! … Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created” (Psalm 148:3, 5). In other words, the heavenly bodies praise Him; the angels of Heaven sing praises unto Him as well. So if all of Creation produces melodic adulation, should not man, the crowning glory of His handiwork, offer praises to Him as well? Therefore, we are encouraged to employ every type of sound and unite them with our voice in symphonic sounds that proclaim His greatness.
Let’s also consider this: if uniting our voices in harmony with musical instruments creates a pleasing sound to the Lord, should not our lives also be in harmony with His Will and His purpose? Furthermore, as His people, should we not compliment each other in how we represent Him in this world rather than working against one another? In short, what kind of noise are we making as a Body in these last days? Let’s avoid the irksome cacophony that is the result of being as sounding brass and a clanging cymbal. Instead let us be as one people pursuing one purpose and, with one voice, let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord. With our praises and our practices, may the song that is our lives be pleasing unto Him.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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