As I mentioned in a previous post, I love Christian music. It soothes the savage beast. It calms the spirit. It drives away the darkness. It puts a smile on your face and a dance in your feet. Sometimes a song can turn a bad day around. And it can be contagious too. One good song can lead to another, then another, then another. Before you know it, your forgot why you were upset and you’re ready to brighten someone else’s day.

Songs are born out of adversity or triumph. If you look at the book of Psalms, most of them were written out of a time of persecution or a time of victory. It seems like whenever David was facing an enemy in battle, he would write a song about it. Then when he would win, he would write another song declaring the God of Victory.

Songs are a way of expressing our innermost feelings. Some are deep expressions of feelings that long to be released. Ever hear one of those soulful blues songs? While I don’t believe in exalting your peril or pain, I can certainly understand the need for it to be released through song. Certain styles of music are more notable for conveying the hurts and anguish of life.

Here is my concern with all of that…what you give life to will hang on for the ride. When you sing a song of pain and woe, you will feel like you’re in pain and your woes will continue. You can’t get out of the pit by singing about how bad it is. The more you give it life, the harder it is to get out of it. It’s hold on you becomes greater with every breath you give it.

From the time when I first gave my heart to Jesus, I have been connected to Christian music. I love many styles. Frankly, styles don’t matter to me as much as content. I love the old hymns as well as modern worship and even some bluegrass. As long as God is glorified and Christ is exalted, it’s ok in my book. Music is the vehicle by which the message is conveyed.

As much as I love listening to music, there are times when I’ll be driving down the road or sitting in my prayer room and a song will erupt with passion and honesty. I love these times. This is my own special worship session before my Creator…just Him and me. No hidden agendas. No pretense because someone is watching. No peer pressure. Simply my time with my Master and Savior.

Through these times, my deepest hurts, my greatest concerns, and my highest hopes are revealed. My inner man is exposed in front of me. Holy Spirit, the revealer of truth, illuminates the hidden places of my heart and brings the authority of the living Word. He always speaks about the One who has the final say in all matters….the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.

These songs expose brokenness and bring them to the forefront so they can be touched by the Healer. In the end, they are songs of truth, revealing God’s Word and will and always conclude with the declaration of God’s sovereignty. My will is changed to the everlasting and unchangeable purpose of my heavenly Father.

My friend, I encourage you to sing those songs. Expose the broken places so they can be healed. Sing of the triumph of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Declare His victory over your fears. Sing of His majesty over all other foes.

But let all who take refuge in You be glad. Let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. Psalm 5:11