14. Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you. 15. But now bring me a harpist." While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha 16. and he said, "This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches.
Initially Elisha was in no mood to receive a word from the Lord. He was angry. He was indignant that a person as evil as Joram and the King of Edom would come to him for godly advice when they had nothing to do with God. He needed to emotionally calm down. He called a harpist to help him get in the right spirit to pray and think about the Lord.
Music indeed affects our emotions and can help us prepare for worship. The tone, volume, melody, harmony and rhythm have effect on people and alter moods. Various experiments have been done. Babies have been tested psychologically on their responses to various music. Some babies were placed in a room without any noise or sounds. Some were placed in a room with quiet and soothing music; some others were exposed to rock music. Those in the rock group were agitated, nervous, upset, and excitable. Those exposed the quiet music were much more content, at peace, and ultimately appeared happier than even those without any music or sound.
At home if you are feeling down, or angry or upset, I suggest you get some good Christian music, and let it help change your moods.
Proverbs 25:20 says, "Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart." Sometimes certain music is not appropriate. There are appropriate tunes and melodies for various occasions. Funeral music is meant to be quiet and reflective.
Music is also cultural and personal. People from different countries, cultures, and sub-cultures appreciate different styles of music. Some congregations will not allow instruments at all, and others regularly have full orchestras.
The temptation is to think that what someone likes is what God likes. Yet it is apparent that God enjoys variety, but the heart is what makes the difference.
I am glad that the churches I have pastored are open to various styles and tunes. I believe that is as it ought to be. That shows love for one another. Many times, the emotional result of a musical number speaks much better than any sermon you will hear.
Application: Are we prepared like Elisha to want to receive a message from God? Although there are many styles that affect our emotions, some styles allow us to focus on Him bringing a spiritual quality unlike any other. I think God likes variety if our hearts are right with Him.
Prayer: Today I sing my prayer - "Oh Lord My God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hand has made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou are, how great Thou art."
