Most believers seldom think of faith-based music as a spiritual source of strength. For the majority, it has its place in Church on Sundays – not in daily life. Even when going through tough seasons, some will forget that there is elevated power in inspirational, praise and worship songs. In contrast the Bible lets us know (both directly and indirectly) that music should be an essential part the believers’ walk with God.
The book of Job tells us at the founding of this earth there was music. As God set its foundations, “angels sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). It should go without saying that in the presence of God there is unceasing praise.
Throughout Scripture we can see music was an important part of the lives of renown men and women of God. One of the earliest mentions of congregational praise was when Moses and the children of Israel sang to the Lord in gratitude. This was after he had parted the sea and saved them from the pursuing Egyptian army. The chorus was, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea”. The full “lyrics” to that song can be found in Exodus 15.
Deborah and Barak in the time of the judges also used music to celebrate a victory God had given His people. They sang, “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the Lord I will sing; I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel” (Judges 5:3).
As mentioned earlier music is not only there for expressing gratitude, it can be an effective fortress for believers as they go into the battles that life brings. And for that, there isn’t a better illustration than King Jehoshaphat’s warfare with Moab and its allies.
A message came to the king one day and it said, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar.” The army was near but Jehoshaphat resolved to seek God in spite of the alarming news.
He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and prayed to the Lord for help. The response from God was “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great army, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
In faith, King Jehoshaphat, placed musicians at the forefront of Judah’s men of war. As they marched forward they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever”. As the praise left their mouths the Lord set up ambushes against their adversaries and in their panic the armies attacked and destroyed one another. The people of Judah returned to the temple with harps, lyres and trumpets praising God for the great victory.
The book of Psalms is essentially a book of songs. Many were written and sung by none other than David, him who is called the sweet Psalmist. Countless modern-day songs have been inspired by the Psalms of course and they should be used in the daily life of believers. King David played to himself and sang in the congregation of worshippers who were appointed by him.
In the New Testament, it was not uncommon for Jesus and his disciples to sing hymns of God together. Matthew 26:30 tells us that as the Lord was preparing for his most trying time he sung with the disciples. In several other parts of the New Testament we see that music was an important part of the early believers’ lives.
Paul and Silas sang songs of praise while in prison and their bonds alongside the prison doors were opened. This was spiritual warfare with the weapon of faith-centered vocal praise.
Psalm 22:3 also tells us that “God inhabits (or dwells in) the praise of His people”.
Inspirational, praise and worship music does not only encourage believers, it unites them with the Spirit of God and is a powerful weapon in trying times. It does not matter if you do not have the right voice, praise God as often as you can and let the faith-based music that you listen to be a fortress against the day-to-day challenges you face.