Sing A New Song

Sing a New Song

Bible Blast: Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

This morning I was in a bad mood. I decided to go out to my old childhood home and take a walk on the gravel road. Incredible! The only sound I could hear out there were birds. Dozens of different kinds of birds chirped in a chorus that would have made Mozart jealous. I stood for a moment and just listened to each distinct note and sound. Twenty minutes later, I left feeling radically, totally, unbelievably giddy.

Did you know that music can actually change your mood and make you healthier? It had that effect on Saul. Whenever Saul was depressed and angry, the young shepherd David was called upon to play his harp—and Saul became happy.

In the 1970s, botanist Dorothy L. Retallack did a study of the effect of music on plants by placing them near music and monitoring the results. She found that the plants exposed to happy and pleasant music tended to thrive and grow toward the music. Plants exposed to noise and “negative” sounding music tended to grow away from the music and shrivel up. Some even died. Similar studies have been done with animals, verifying that God’s creation responds well to good music. Some of the newest studies confirm that well-written, positive music can perhaps heal the brain of many problems, including depression.

God created us—and perhaps all of creation—to be soothed and sometimes even healed by good music. Music is not neutral. It is either having a positive effect or a negative effect on our spirits. Consider the lyrics and the emotional feel of what you listen to regularly. Make sure what you choose sends good messages to your mind and heart.

If you’re feeling a little blue, you might consider putting on some praise tunes or just taking a walk to hear the birds sing. It did wonders for me today.

Girl Gab: Mom, surprise your daughter with a concert of praise to God. You choose where and how—maybe a walk outside to hear the birds or maybe a jam session with her rock star dad—but worship your hearts out! Then, take time to talk about how it made you feel. Make it a goal to sing a new song to God when you feel down.