When I write about subjects or topics foreign to me, I try to reference experts in their fields. Prior to becoming King of Israel, David was a harpist. Biblical accounts reveal David was hired by King Saul. According to the prophet Samuel, David was called into the king’s room whenever Saul was being oppressed by demonic spirits. The sound was so pleasing to Saul’s ears that these spirits would disperse soothing the king’s soul.
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, Ephesians 5:19.
Today, music has the same affect on me, serving as motivation or simply uplifting my spirits. Music is so powerful that some teenagers can’t concentrate, think or sleep without music playing in the background. Yet, one of Lucifer’s nicknames is the angel of song. Thus, everyone needs to be careful of the content played. Any sort of subtle compromise can open the door for foreign spirits to enter your life.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord, Psalm 40:3.
To nullify this surprise attack, the apostle Paul encourages individuals to make melodies in their hearts to God. Whether this is in the form of humming, singing or whistling, this practice results in a spirit of thanksgiving. Although some may attempt to fake this practice, replaying positive lyrics within your minds can and will alter your mood. Those who develop a mindset for songs of worship and praise will begin to display manifestations of thanksgiving.
When radio was in it’s prime, I spent summer days as a teenager hanging out on my back deck with friends listening to music. Except for all request lunch hours, you could guess which dozens songs were played on an hourly loop until the next set of singles were released. The only thing comparable from this era that remains today is Delilah Radio. One of the few DJ’s to survive advances in technology, Delilah’s nightly show plays songs to get it’s listeners through the storms of life.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:6.
Like the various genres that exist, my tastes in music has evolved over time. Early on, I turned to songs from Air Supply, Chicago and REO Speedwagon to get me through trying times. Unfortunately, some of these songs made me more depressed, especially ballads by Chicago. Thus, I began searching for something more meaningful. Lyrics with encouraging, positive and uplifting messages. My good friend Mindy introduced me to a new sound, inviting me to my first Christian concert. My swim coach Ken Horne who also served as the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s school huddle leader, furthered my knowledge of this brand of wholesome music.
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” – Matthew 8:23-27
These two individual inspired a life long quest to uncover hidden gems. This lead me to discover a huge Christian warehouse where I could listen to music before buying it. Meanwhile, Jackie, the former owner of the Sonshine House was my guide to find my favorite songs played a new local Christian station. When I didn’t have anyone to ask, I developed a successful system based upon album covers. Those artists who spent a little extra money on design and graphics usually produced solid tunes. Sure, I bought plenty of duds void of any decent songs, yet I pressed on to share my passion with others.
Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him., 1 Samuel 16:23.
On this journey, I came across Christians who practiced legalism, referring to any secular form of music as being inspired by the Devil. Years later I read a quote from Wes King in an article on the difference between Christian and secular music. King’s opinion struck a cord with me that I have adopted. “There are two types of music, that which glorifies God and those that glorify self.” Depending upon your preference, you need to make sure you don’t get caught up judging the opposing side. Rather, it’s best to seek and tell others about those songs which help you overcome the storms in life. Below is a list of artists and topics that have helped me endure various hardships in life.
Typically, the term calamity occurs in a negative manner. However, Martha Jane Canary was the exception to this rule, developing the nickname of Calamity Jane. Making a name as a dare devil in the late 1800’s, Jane joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. This new name stuck and transformed her reputation from a professional scout to a woman who showed compassion to the poor.
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity, Proverbs 21:23.
According to King Solomon, possessing strong opinions can be dangerous. Some individuals tend to talk to much and others spit venomous words from within their mouths. Subsequently, those who do not practice self-control will reap calamity upon themselves. Anyone who talks all the time will try the patience of those who listen. Meanwhile, people who apply an unfiltered tongue will make enemies along the way, causing listeners to react often in revenge.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things, Philippians 4:8.
The apostle Paul provides a blue print for escaping calamity. The choice is simple, stay positive and turn enemies into friends by using uplifting words. However, this must not be contrived or fake. Rather, when you have a chance to encourage someone, be genuine and real. When others around you try to put fuel on the fire with sarcasm or teasing, learn to control your tongue to escape calamity. Or else calamity will find you, fulfilling the principle of you reap what you sow.
Early in the 2013-2014 school year, a high school senior became fed up with the persistent negativity bombarding her hallways. Searching for a simple solution, this silent leader began to fight back with kindness. Determined to leave a positive mark on her classmates, this glimmer of optimism began to make a difference, one encouraging, yet anonymous text at a time.
This principle is nothing new, passed on by the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29. The best way to battle bullying, criticism and put downs is with uplifting words. In the end, it doesn’t matter who gets the credit as long as the desire to do good tarries on, Galatians 6:9-10. As this girl’s twitter handle began to light up with compliments to friends, faculty and staff, establishing hope for broken hearts.
Perhaps, this young woman will start a movement to love your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:39. Whether you think before you act or look at someone else’s life before you judge or make an assumption, randoms acts of kindness can make a difference. Therefore, instead of giving up on a cruel world, set your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-3, so that the light of Christ will be passed on to the next generation.
ExpressYourself4Him 