Something to chew on…
Music is a universal language. It is found in all cultures…is based on similar sounds…bonds groups together…and produces intense emotions in all who hear.
Who hasn’t had the experience of singing the lyrics of a song they haven’t heard in 10-20 years?
Who hasn’t heard a song and had a flood of memories and emotions saturate their soul?
Music is powerful…and the benefits of singing are numerous. Music lessens feelings of loneliness and depression, helps alleviate anxiety, and increases satisfaction and the quality of life. Some studies have even indicated that our heart rates actually sync up when we are singing together in a group.
Amazing.
We seem to be designed for music.
Sociologists have found that all cultures sing lullabies to their babies and that all babies like certain kinds of sounds (harmonious ones rather than dissonant ones). Music seems to reside deep in our souls…from the time we are born.
Evolutionary biologists wonder why. From an evolutionary standpoint, music seems to be “auditory cheesecake”—it makes us happy without any real survival benefits. Others suggest that music was simply about attracting a good mate or even bonding larger groups together while they picked fleas off each other.
But the power of music begs for a higher answer.
We were created to sing…by a God who sings.
Roughly one-third of the Bible is written in poetic language…with rhythm…with harmonious sounds. The largest book in the Bible is Psalms. And the first words out of Adam’s mouth were poetic. When he saw Eve, he literally sang.
When the Spirit of God fills us, we sing.
And when Christ finally reigns on this earth, all creation will sing. Not just us…but apparently the animals will join in as well.
So the next time you find yourself singing with the music…remember your Creator…and use your breath to proclaim His praise.
