Thursday, April 16, 2009

Music for the Soul

Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul, he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. 1 Samuel 16:23

Being a worship minister, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to participate in funerals and memorial services. On Tuesday, as the team and I were preparing to serve the Shackelford family, I reminded them of the story of David playing the harp for Saul.

God works through the power of music to soothe the soul and to calm our emotions.

How many of us, when we are depressed or distressed, turn to a familiar, encouraging song for comfort? Or, how many of us, when we are happy, do as James suggests and find ourselves singing, whistling or humming songs of praise?

What songs have ministered to your spirit?

10 comments:

Tammy said...

Interestingly enough I find myself singing old hymns as well as newer songs all the time. It is as if God directed my thoughts to one song over another; and if I stop and consider the words I am singing, I am amazed how they apply to whatever the situation (and bring comfort/joy). Two that I have had on my heart recently were "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee" and (of course) "Blessed Be Your Name" which I sing all the time. I noticed my son's feelings follow what songs he sings too. His has recently been "Lead Me Gently Home", and one of Jake and Zach's favorite songs is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" which I catch them singing softly while they play. (ok that and B-I-N-G-O...) My problem is starting a song and winding up singing "dah dah dah's" because I can't remember all the words...but I am hoping that the words I remember are the important ones.

Karen said...

How much space do we get? There are old standards that speak to me... "It Is Well With My Soul" is one. "There's a Stirring," "The Greatest Commands,"... these remind me of church families I have left behind and are heart-wrenching and comforting at the same time.

Of late, the songs I turn to have been more contemporary fare like Building 429's "Always," Josh Wilson's "Savior, Please," Chris Sligh's "Empty Me," and John Waller's "While I'm Waiting."

Brenda said...

It's always so difficult to narrow it down. For me it depends on the day and situation. But....4 songs that you will always catch me singing....
Before I go to bed each night, the house is quiet, and the last thing I do before I head to bed, is go to the piano and play "Just as I am" No matter what happens, I know that He is going to take me how I am right now.
"I surrender all" when you can't say it, sing it.
"Still" This is one of the most calming and soothing songs for me in times of struggle.
"Shout to the the Lord"...I can't explain it. It just touches my heart as if I'm the only one singing it to Him at that moment. The way I sing it at home in those moments....well...isn't exactly what you'd hear at church. But He doesn't care. He loves how I worship.
Good Question Shane!

preacherman said...

Shane,
Wonderful post as many songs have ministered to my spirit through out the times. The ones that have touched my soul lately are: "Light the Fire", "Break my Heart" and "Majesty". Thank you for this post and allowing us to share with others songs that have ministered to us during times of need, during times in the desert. Keep up the great with your blog as it is uplifting and inspiring to me and countless other brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope and pray you and your family have a great weekend with eachother.

Linda L said...

Oh mercy, where to begin? In my car I have a Kari Jobe CD and every single one of her worship songs speak to me. Others that I really touch me are "Agnus Dei" and "Thou Oh Lord Art a Shield". I can just stand with my arms raised to God and feel His presence all around me...words can't describe how it makes me feel when I actually sing the words to those two songs. Simply incredible...

Unknown said...

"In You" by MercyMe. I can't sing it without crying.

Doug said...

Shane....There's something about the song "My Eyes Are Dry" that hits me hard. "Thomas's Song" too has tremendous power.

A friend of mine encouraged me to listen to the words of "You Are My Strength" by Hillsong. Wow.

Sweet Momma said...

I had the opportunity to spend a weekend with Christian sisters that live in Montana and in Texas, but were in Nebraska visiting, so the song "God's Family" keeps coming to the forefront of my mind today. It's so great to have family no matter where you go. What a blessing!

Todd Stoves said...

My favorite song of late is Chris Sligh "Vessel"...he was on American Idol a couple years back and put out a really good Christian album since in his previous life he was a worship minister...anywho, great song..great album

Dusty Chris said...

Revelation Song - Gateway
Jesus is Lord
There's a Stirring - Annie Herring
Blessed be the Name

These songs have ministered to my spirit in the darkest days of my life.