Can you imagine a world without music? I can’t even fathom it. Just get the idea out of my head. Too late, it’s there. Music was meant to be. Look at King David. He loved writing songs for God: some heart wrenching, some worshipful.
That’s the beauty of music, isn’t it? You can use it to express your heart to yourself and others. Music breeds creativity. Music is a language everyone can understand. Maybe, not all. I still don’t understand opera. Maybe, never will.
Music power
Music has absolute power. It can make or break emotional barriers. It can calm anger. And, it can trigger memories. When COVID-19 invaded the world in early 2020, I saw this incredibly impactful fan video for rock band Disturbed’s “The Sound Of Silence.” What an eery song? But, it painted the perfect picture for the current state of the world. I can’t listen to that song without remembering that time.
To me, music is a journal that captures certain chapters of my life. In fact, I assemble a playlist every year that chronicles my life for the year. I have a bad memory, but when I go back and listen to that playlist. Memories come back to me. Sometimes, the emotions are the only memories.
2020 in music
Despite the grim events of 2020, many artists and bands released some great new music. I’m a sucker for power ballads. So, Skillet’s “Terrify the Dark,” RED’s “The War We Made,” and Shinedown’s “Atlas Falls” get my vote. For me, these songs served multiple purposes.
When I get cheesed off, on goes Skillet or RED. When I hit the weights, on goes the aforementioned songs. When I’m bored, on goes the same songs. Of course, I listened to these songs among many other new ones. But, you get my point.
Music affects me greatly. I can’t even imagine my life without it. For sure, it’s a gift from God.
Milestones
My wife and I had our 10-year anniversary in 2020. Every year, we would choose a song to commemorate the special occasion. Last year, it was Lifehouse’s “Between the Raindrops” and the year before it was Lady Gaga’s “Shallow.” When I listen to each song from one to 10, I feel like I’m taking a walk from the first year of our marriage to the 10th. This, my friend, is a music journal.
Negative impacts
Did I mention that music has power? Unfortunately, music has its downsides as well.
I have anxiety. And, as much as music serves as a benefit, it can also be a cause of great anxiety for me. Before I gave my life to Christ, my ears only listened to mainstream music. When I gave my life to Christ, a few things changed as it pertains to music.
I became more sensitive to the song’s lyrics: sorry, no blasphemy and swearing for me, thanks. Melancholy, not having it. So, I slowly stopped listening to music that didn’t align with my beliefs. But, in my opinion, I took it way too far.
I created rules about listening to certain songs. I shamed myself for even wanting to listen to it. I essentially said to myself in not so many words, “Dude, you’re going to hell if you listen to that song.”
My struggles especially showed toward some of my favorite songs. I’d stop listening to them, and then I’d listen to them again. The shame continued. I notice I always attacked my character. Unfortunately, music was enjoyment and an anxiety trigger.
Over time, I’ve been able to work through some of that anxiety. But, this is just proof of how powerful music can be in your life. Anxiety has become a major theme for many songwriters. Sarah Reeve's "Anxious" is a great example.
So, let yourself be taken in by the music. Let it bring you closer to God in worship. Look at it as God’s gift to your heart and ears. Enjoy it, but acknowledge the power it has.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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