A Divine Chorus
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I am convinced that God loves music. He is an amazing composer! He created the melodic sound of lapping waves breaking on the seashore, the babbling sound of a mountain stream, the whisper of the wind, the staccato of rain drops tapping on a windowsill, the timpani sound of thunder, the chirping of the birds, the barking of a dog, the baa of sheep, the cry of a newborn baby, and joy filled laughter. Together, in harmony, they compose the divine chorus of life. How do you fit into the music? Please read more.
Music proceeds from life and it also feeds off of the movement and energy of nature. Not only did God breathe life into the musical score of creation, but He is also the symphony conductor. We all have a part to sing or play in this wonderful melody we call life. Some people don’t have the talent for singing, and many can’t play a musical instrument, but we all still have a place in the musical composition of life.
Music seems to have a magical, mystical, quality to it. Movie and television producers have long known that music can evoke emotion. Think of the fear brought on by the soundtrack from Jaws. Music can break through the distance barriers. Restaurateurs have long transported their customers away to the homeland of the cuisine with their background music. That is why we listen to Italian music in an Italian restaurant, and German music in a German restaurant. And we all know that music seems to take us back in time. When we hear our favorite songs, they conjure up memories of special times from our past.
This past week, I had the blessing of singing with The Mountain Chorale in our concert called The Spirit of The Mountains. We sang a medley of songs designed to represent life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The songs: There Was a Time, and The Blue Ridge were meant to evoke the sounds of the mountains. The song Sit Down Servant brought a spiritual perspective from the dark days of slavery. The song, The Wide Missouri, and the piano solo, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, drew attention to God’s magnificent creation. There was a fun song about Old Joe Clark, that brought back memories when moonshine was still present in these hills. Finally, the songs: Creator Rhythm, Like A River In My Soul, I’ll Fly Away, and America The Beautiful acknowledged the hand of the creator in the wonder of nature.
Everyone who attended the concert seemed genuinely moved and uplifted by the music. Music and songs are a wonderful gift from God. But did you know that science has now proven that God designed us in such a way that listening to music can have both a mental and physical impact on our body? It can!
Studies show that music exerts a powerful influence over us. Listening to music actually changes our brain chemistry. The right music can release dopamine in the brain and help to treat mental illness. It can enhance memory, lighten our mood, reduce our anxiety and depression, help us to better deal with pain, fight off fatigue, help us work out more effectively and perhaps most importantly, singing or listening to spiritual songs can help us feel closer to God. This is why music plays an important role in worship. Indeed, God wired us for music.
Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Ephesians 5:19 encourages us to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts.
A friend of mine who works in hospice recently told me that he has heard many patients as they were drawing closer to death remark, “I wish you could hear the music I am hearing.” Music is beautiful here on earth. We are left to imagine how much better it will be when we get to Heaven.
There is an old song called Sing a New Song Unto The Lord. Let me close by asking you these questions. Since everything in nature and every human has a part to play in God’s divine chorus, what is your part? What instrument has God given you to play in His divine symphony?
I found this video on YouTube. It clearly reflects the sounds, beauty, and song of God’s creation. Listen, relax, and enjoy! Perhaps you will even hear the voice of God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the sounds of nature and the gift of music. It has the ability to soothe my soul and draw me closer to you. Help me always to sing my assigned notes in the melody of life. Amen.
AMDG
As always, I love to read your comments below as well as hear from you personally you can reach me by clicking here.
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Thank you, Brian. And thank you God, Father, for enriching my life for so many years with the music of his friendship and love.
Mary
We are blessed by your friendship.
Brian
Oh Brian, What a blessing it was to play & hear your blog this morning! It was music to my heart and soul. 🎶 You said what I feel and felt while also singing in The Mountain Chorale with you and so many other friends. The Johnsons, and you, are certainly instruments of God’s love & music shared with us all. And, like Ann said above, thank you for the wondrous gathering at your beautiful home for us chorus members. What a blessing it is to live here in the glorious Blue Ridge Mountains. Thank you my friend, for all you do and write. We love your new book & are giving it to friends and family members. And thank you to your dear wife, Mary Beth, for all she does as well. With our love & prayers, Donna & GBH too
Donna
Thank you for those very kind words!
Brian
Hi Brian,
I think this post by far is your best. It really spoke to me. I need to listen to more music.
Thanks for the reminder
Geri
I am happy to hear that this message touched you. I pray that you will always hear God’s divine chorus in your heart.
Brian
Though I am not very musical, music is my favorite way to pray. It always lifts me up. I enjoy 3 songs that you introduced me to Sanctuary, Broken, and When God Ran. Thank you
Jim
Thanks for your post. Yes indeed, music is spiritually uplifting!
Brian
Profound video.
Paul
I thought so too.
Brian
I too have been so blessed to have part of the Mountain Choral and your blog beautifully relayed that joy. It was a pleasure to share time with other members at your home and meet your wonderful wife. I look forward to reading your book and sharing it with family members.
Ann
Thanks for your post. I hope you enjoy the book. God bless!
Brian