Saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” (Hebrews 2:12 ESV)
Music and Faith
Words are the tools of stories. But they are not the only tools that can relay information, persuade, encourage, admonish, delight, and tell stories.
Music can do those things, too.
Here, in Hebrews,singing is used to praise God. But not simply by relaying feelings, the previous sentence also shows that music can be used to inform. To describe God’s name. To connect the author’s ‘brothers.’ To unite the congregation.
I personally can not fathom music doing such things without the foundation of words. But it is clear that the Word of God can be illuminated, understood, and driven into our hearts through God’s created music.
We often push music into the category of emotions, feelings, and gushy stuff. But music is also, apparently, a means of informing, convincing, and connecting.
And maybe even an avenue for faith.
God grants us faith when our reason comes up short. Faith and reason are both ways for God to teach us, change us, challenge us, and encourage us.
And God has given us music as a way to nudge us towards faith.
Thus music is an integral part of worship. Thus music moves us. Thus music assists our understanding. Thus music gives rise to love, aimed at both God and mankind.
In times of doubt, let music encourage you. Let music remind you of God’s love. In times of fear, let music strengthen you. Let music remind you of God’s power. In times of worry, let music calm you. Let music remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Take the faith God grants us.