When my dad was dying, an old family friend visited us in the hospital. He had sheet music, and a guitar was in the room. My husband picked up the instrument and played, and we lifted our voices in song. What a welcome gift! We lingered over the music, and it was a balm to my soul. It calmed my heart and brought peace. This friend was living out Ephesians 5:19 with my family.
My experience is not unique. I know many others who have been blessed by a song that was shared by a friend. The words calmed and edified them in their time of need.
Music infuses our lives with beauty. We see it on the ‘big’ days especially. Weddings. Graduations. Birthdays. Some couples even have ‘their song’ that heightens emotion and draws out tenderness. Music clearly enriches our days.
When we are Spirit-filled, we add beauty (and truth) to our speech. In the context of Ephesians 5, we use music to do it. And we do it together.
Ephesians 5:19 says, “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”
God uses music in beautiful ways; specifically, the music of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” In the Spirit-filled heart, music is a powerful tool.
Prayer is another way to ‘love one another’ through music. I have a pastor friend who prays that the Lord would bring hymns to the minds of those who are hurting. Following his example, I have begun praying the same. So many of our hymns are weaved with Scripture, and God uses them to comfort and draw us to Himself.
Music meets us at an emotional level. When a friend is hurting, share that encouraging song. It cracks open the hurt and allows truth to minister grace to wounded hearts.
Share “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” when life is placid. God gave us voices to praise Him and hands to play instruments to His praise and others’ benefit. Singing in the mundane times fills our hearts with joy and reminds us of our ultimate purpose on this earth: to worship Him and enjoy Him.
Sing out at church. My husband recently preached through Ephesians 5, and he said one reason we don’t sing out in our pews is because we are not being filled with the Spirit. Singing is a natural overflow of a Spirit-filled heart. Sing with all your heart at church on Sunday morning. It not only uplifts your soul, but it edifies those around you.
Music is such a gift from God. We are blessed when others share it with us, and we are blessed when we share it with others. Use it to love one another for the glory of God!
Taking It Further:
How have others encouraged you through music? Regardless of your singing abilities, are you allowing the Spirit to fill you and influence your Sunday morning worship? What ‘psalm’, ‘hymn’, or ‘spiritual song’ has ministered grace to your heart recently? Share it with a friend from church.